US7792488B2 - Systems and methods for transmitting electromagnetic energy over a wireless channel having sufficiently weak measured signal strength - Google Patents

Abstract

A signal strength that is associated with a first wireless communications channel is detected. Electromagnetic energy is transmitted over the first wireless communications channel in response to the signal strength being sufficiently weak. A determination is made whether a handoff should be made to a second wireless communications channel having a signal that is weaker than a signal of the first wireless communications channel. Related systems and methods are described.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/965,303, filed Oct. 14, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,577,400, entitled Integrated or Autonomous System and Method of Satellite-Terrestrial Frequency Reuse Using Signal Attenuation and/or Blockage, Dynamic Assignment of Frequencies and/or Hysteresis, which itself is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/000,799, filed Dec. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. 6,859,652, entitled Integrated or Autonomous System and Method of Satellite-Terrestrial Frequency Reuse Using Signal Attenuation and/or Blockage, Dynamic Assignment of Frequencies and/or Hysteresis U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,799 itself claims priority to U.S. provisional Application Ser. No. 60/250,461, filed Dec. 4, 2000, entitled System and Method of Satellite-Terrestrial Frequency Reuse. All of these applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to frequency assignment, reuse and/or sharing among communications systems having both a terrestrial component and a satellite component and, more particularly, to a satellite-terrestrial communication system and method of operation thereof that provides frequency assignment, reuse and/or sharing between autonomously operating or integrated satellite and terrestrial components, that can optionally utilize different communication protocols and/or air interfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

FIG. 1 shows a prior art satellite radiotelephone system, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,586, incorporated herein by reference. As shown inFIG. 1, a satellite radiotelephone system includes a fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110 and a mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130. The fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110 uses afirst satellite112 to communicate with a plurality offixed radiotelephones114a,114band114cin afirst communication area116.

Fixed satelliteradiotelephone communication system110 communicates with the plurality of fixed radiotelephones114a-114cusing a first air interface118 (e.g., at C-band). Control of thefixed satellite system110 is implemented by afeeder link122 which communicates with agateway124 and the public switched (wire) telephone network (PSTN)126.

Thefeeder link122 includes communication channels for voice and data communications, and control channels. The control channels are indicated by dashed lines inFIG. 1. The control channels are used to implement direct communications between fixed radiotelephones, as shown for example betweenradiotelephones114aand114b. The control channels are also used to effect communications between afixed satellite radiotelephone114cand a mobile radiotelephone or a wire telephone viagateway124 and PSTN126. Thefeeder link122 uses the same air interface or a different air interface from thefirst air interface118.

Still referring toFIG. 1, mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130 includes asecond satellite132 that communicates with a plurality of mobile radiotelephones134a-134dwhich are located in asecond communication area136. Mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130 communicates with mobile radiotelephones134 using a second air interface138 (e.g., at L-band or S-band). Alternatively, thesecond air interface138 may be the same as thefirst air interface118. However, the frequency bands associated with the two air interfaces are different.

Afeeder link142 is used to communicate with other satellite, cellular or wire telephone systems viagateway144 and PSTN126. As withfixed satellite system110, thefeeder link142 includes communication channels shown in solid lines and control channels shown in dashed lines. The control channels are used to establish direct mobile-to-mobile communications, for example, betweenmobile radiotelephones134band134c. The control channels are also used to establish communications betweenmobile phones134aand134dand other satellite, mobile or wire telephone systems.

As with the fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110, the mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130 will generally communicate with large numbers of mobile radiotelephones134. The fixed and mobile satellite radiotelephone system use a common satellite.

Still referring toFIG. 1, a congested area may be present in the mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130 where a large number of mobile radiotelephones134e-134iare present. As is also shown inFIG. 1, this congested area may be in anoverlapping area128 betweenfirst communication area116 andsecond communication area136. If this is the case, excess capacity from fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110 is offloaded to mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130.

Capacity offload is provided by at least one fixed retransmittingstation150a,150b, that retransmits communications between the fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110 and at least one of the mobile radiotelephones. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, first fixed retransmittingstation150aretransmits communications betweensatellite112 andmobile radiotelephones134eand134f. Second fixedtransmitting station150bretransmits communications between thesatellite112 andmobile radiotelephones134g,134hand134i.

The fixed retransmitting stations communicate with thesatellite112 usingfirst air interface118. However they communicate with the mobile radiotelephones using thesecond air interface138. Accordingly, from the standpoint of the mobile radiotelephones134e-134i, communication is transparent. In other words, it is not apparent to the mobile radiotelephones134e-134i, or the users thereof, that communications are occurring with the fixedsatellite radiotelephone system110 rather than with the mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130. However, additional capacity for the mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130 in the congested areas adjacent the fixed retransmitting stations150 is provided.

As shown inFIG. 1, a mobile radiotelephone can establish a communications link via the facilities of the fixed satellite radiotelephone system, even though the mobile radiotelephone is designed, manufactured and sold as a terminal intended for use with the mobile satellite radiotelephone system. One or more operators may offer both mobile and fixed telecommunications services over an overlapping geographic area using two separate transponders in separate satellites or within the same “hybrid” satellite, with one transponder supporting mobile satellite radiotelephones and the other supporting fixed satellite radiotelephones. As capacity “hot spots” or congestion develops within certain spot beams of the mobile radiotelephone system, the fixed system, with its much higher capacity, can deploy fixed retransmitting stations to relieve the capacity load of the mobile system.

FIG. 2A shows a seven-cell frequency reuse pattern used by the mobilesatellite radiotelephone system130. Within each of the relatively large mobile system cells, each typically being on the order of 400-600 kilometers in diameter, frequencies used by adjacent cells are locally retransmitted by the retransmitting station at reduced, non-interfering power levels, and reused as shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, thus substantially increasing the effective local capacity.

Accordingly, fixed retransmittingstations150a,150b, located within the fixed system's footprint or coverage area, receive signals from the fixed satellite and retransmit these signals locally. In the reverse direction, the fixed retransmitting stations receive signals from mobile radiotelephones134e-iand retransmit signals from the mobile radiotelephones to thefixed satellite system110. Frequency translation to bring the signals within the fixed system's frequency band is provided.

The mobile radiotelephones134e-iare ordinarily used with themobile satellite system130. Accordingly, thefixed satellite system110 may need to be configured to support the air interface used by the mobile satellite radiotelephone system. If different air interfaces are used by the fixed and mobile satellite radiotelephone systems, the fixedretransmitting stations150a,150b, can perform a translation from one air interface to the other, for example, by demodulation and remodulation. The fixed retransmitting station then becomes a regenerative repeater which reformats communications channels as well as control channels. However, if the mobile and fixed systems both use substantially the same air interface, then the fixed retransmitting station can function as a non-regenerative repeater.

However, in contrast to U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,586, the present invention does not utilize in at least one embodiment frequency translation between fixed and mobile systems. Also in contrast to U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,586, the present invention optionally provides autonomous or substantially autonomous operation between the satellite and terrestrial components.

FIG. 3 is another prior art system as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,832, incorporated herein by reference.FIG. 3 provides an overview of acommunications system310 showing the functional inter-relationships of the major elements. The systemnetwork control center312 directs the top level allocation of calls to satellite and ground regional resources throughout the system. It also is used to coordinate system-wide operations, to keep track of user locations, to perform optimum allocation of system resources to each call, dispatch facility command codes, and monitor and supervise overall system health. The regional node control centers314, one of which is shown, are connected to the systemnetwork control center312 and direct the allocation of calls to ground nodes within a major metropolitan region. The regionalnode control center314 provides access to and from fixed land communication lines, such as commercial telephone systems known as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Theground nodes316, under direction of the respective regionalnode control center314, receive calls over the fixed land line network, encode them, spread them according to the unique spreading code assigned to each designated user, combine them into a composite signal, modulate that composite signal onto the transmission carrier, and broadcast them over the cellular region covered.

Satellitenode control centers318 are also connected to the systemnetwork control center312 via status and control land lines and similarly handle calls designated for satellite links such as from PSTN, encode them, spread them according to the unique spreading codes assigned to the designated users, and multiplex them with other similarly directed calls into an uplink trunk, which is beamed up to the designatedsatellite320.Satellite nodes320 receive the uplink trunks, frequency demultiplex the calls intended for different satellite cells, frequency translate and direct each to its appropriate cell transmitter and cell beam, and broadcast the composite of all such similarly directed calls down to the intended satellite cellular area. As used herein, “backhaul” means the link between asatellite320 and a satellitenode control center318.

User units322 respond to signals of either satellite or ground node origin, receive the outbound composite signal, separate out the signal intended for that user by despreading using the user's assigned unique spreading code, de-modulate, and decode the information and deliver the call to the user.Such user units322 may be mobile or may be fixed in position.Gateways324 provide direct trunks (i.e., groups of channels) between satellite and the ground public switched telephone system or private trunk users. For example, a gateway may comprise a dedicated satellite terminal for use by a large company or other entity. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, thegateway324 is also connected to thatsystem network controller312.

All of the above-discussed centers, nodes, units and gateways are full duplex transmit/receive performing the corresponding inbound (user to system) link functions as well in the inverse manner to the outbound (system to user) link functions just described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,832 which does not include a systemnetwork control center312. In this system, the satellitenode control centers442 are connected directly into the land line network as are also the regional node control centers444.Gateway systems446 are also available as in the system ofFIG. 3, and connect the satellite communications to the appropriate land line or other communications systems. Theuser unit322 designatessatellite node442 communication orground node450 communication by sending a predetermined code. Alternatively, the user unit could first search for one type of link (either ground or satellite) and, if that link is present, use it. If that link is not present, use the alternate type of link.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,832 uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology to provide spectral utilization and spatial frequency reuse. The system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,832 has a cluster size of one. That is, each cell uses the same, full allocated frequency band. This is possible because of the strong interference rejection properties of spread spectrum code division multiple access technology (SS/CDMA).

The specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,832 also states that in a spread spectrum system, the data modulated carrier signal is modulated by a relatively wide-band, pseudo-random “spreading” signal so that the transmitted bandwidth is much greater than the bandwidth or rate of the information to be transmitted, and that the “spreading” signal is generated by a pseudo-random deterministic digital logic algorithm which is duplicated at the receiver. In this regard, FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,832 disclosesPRN generators136,166 in conjunction withwide band multipliers122,148 that are associated with CDMA technology.

The system also determines the position ofuser units322 through two-dimensional multi-lateration. Each CDMA mobile user unit's transmitted spreading code is synchronized to the epoch of reception of the pilot signal from its current control site, whether ground or satellite node.

However, it has been determined that it is desirable to have communication protocols other than CDMA be used in a satellite-terrestrial system. It is also desirable to have a satellite-terrestrial system that does not require frequency translation between fixed and mobile systems. In addition, it is also desirable to provide a satellite-terrestrial system that does not require CDMA technology, and which utilizes a robust satellite-terrestrial frequency assignment and/or reuse scheme in which the satellite and terrestrial components can optionally utilize different air interfaces, and optionally operate independently of each other while either sharing a common or different frequency band.

Further, it is also desirable to provide a satellite-terrestrial system that utilizes a first frequency as a downlink frequency between a satellite and a first fixed and/or mobile user terminal and as an uplink frequency between a second fixed and/or mobile user terminal and a terrestrial base transceiver station (BTS), and a second frequency as an uplink between the first fixed and/or mobile user terminal and the satellite and as a downlink between the BTS and the second fixed and/or mobile user terminal. Other advantages and features of the invention are described below, that may be provided independently and/or in one or more combinations.

It is also desirable to provide a satellite-terrestrial system in which the space based and ground based components function autonomously or substantially autonomously in which the space based component can use a time division multiple access (TDMA) air interface, and the ground based system can use either a TDMA air interface or a CDMA air interface. In such a system, it is further desirable to provide user units having a first plurality of vocoders, each having a different data rate, and a second plurality of vocoders, each having a different data rate, wherein a vocoder in the first plurality is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and wherein a vocoder in the second plurality is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system in which the satellite and terrestrial components utilize different air interfaces while facilitating efficient spectrum assignment, usage, sharing, and/or reuse.

It is another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system in which the satellite and terrestrial components operate independently of each other while sharing at least a portion, and optionally all, of a common frequency band.

It is another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system in which the satellite and terrestrial components operate independently of each other while utilizing discrete frequency bands.

It is another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communications system and method of operation thereof that minimizes interference between the satellite and terrestrial components.

It is another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a communication system utilizing at least two air interfaces having a common area of coverage, wherein at least a portion of the frequencies associated with a first air interface are assigned, reused and/or shared by the second air interface.

It is still another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system in which frequencies are assigned, used and/or reused when signal strength is, for example, attenuated and/or blocked by terrain and/or structures.

It is still another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system that dynamically assigns frequencies.

It is yet another feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a satellite-terrestrial communication system that utilizes hysteresis and/or negative hysteresis in assigning, re-assigning and/or reusing frequencies.

It is another optional feature and advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention to, for example, invert the frequencies between the satellite system and an underlay terrestrial system, whereby a first frequency is used, for example, as a downlink frequency between a satellite and a first fixed and/or mobile user terminal, and as an uplink frequency between a second fixed and/or mobile user terminal and a BTS. In addition, a second frequency is used, for example, as an uplink between the first fixed and/or mobile user terminal, and the satellite and as a downlink between the BTS and the second fixed and/or mobile user terminal.

The present invention provides a system and method for assigning, re-assigning, using and/or reusing channels for terrestrial and/or satellite use. In one embodiment, a satellite-terrestrial communication system and method is provided for reusing one or more channels in a manner that minimizes interference between the respective satellite and terrestrial systems. The present invention can also be applied to multiple satellite systems as well as, in addition to, or instead of, terrestrial systems. The present invention optionally provides both a terrestrial frequency assignment and/or reuse plan, and a satellite frequency assignment and/or reuse plan.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a satellite-terrestrial system and method that optionally uses a reduction in signal strength caused by, for example, signal attenuation, terrain blocking and/or blocking by man-made structures to assign, use or reuse one or more channels. In one embodiment, the channels having the weakest signal are reused terrestrially in order to minimize interference.

Another embodiment determines that one or more of the satellite channels detected by, for example, a subscriber terminal or BTS are not being used. In this embodiment, any idle channels are preferably used terrestrially first before any used (i.e., established) satellite channels are considered for terrestrial reuse.

The satellite and terrestrial components can operate in an integrated manner, or autonomously. For example, in an integrated embodiment, the satellite and terrestrial components can share a common network operations controller (NOC), mobile switching center (MSC), and/or Radio Resource Manager (RRM). In an autonomous embodiment, a separate NOC, MSC and/or RRM is provided for each of the satellite and terrestrial components. For example, a RRM associated with the terrestrial component can comprise or utilize, for example, a suitable antenna operatively connected to a spectrum analyzer and/or other signal detection means to search a band of radio frequencies for the presence of radio signals, to determine what frequencies are currently being utilized within a range or ranges of frequencies of interest. The terrestrial RRM can therefore determine, independently and without communication with a RRM associated with the satellite component, or any other satellite component equipment, what frequencies are not being used by the system. Since the terrestrial RRM knows the frequencies used across a range of frequencies of interest, as well as the frequencies used by the terrestrial component, the terrestrial RRM can also determine or deduce the frequencies that are currently being used by the satellite component. Similarly, the satellite component functions in substantially the same manner to, inter alia, determine the frequencies currently being used by the terrestrial component.

In the case of, for example, a single geosynchronous satellite having multiple spot beams, the channels that are reassigned terrestrially can be predetermined and/or computed dynamically. In the case of multiple satellites, a predetermined preference may optionally be provided where the subscriber terminals communicate by using either the satellite system or the terrestrial system.

In another embodiment, the present invention minimizes the frequency reuse between the satellite and terrestrial networks by utilizing channels for each system in an ordered manner. Channels can be dynamically reassigned to maximize frequency separation and thereby minimize any potential interference therebetween.

In another embodiment, the invention optionally uses hysteresis so that there is a predetermined difference in signal strength before allowing a subscriber terminal to transition back and forth between channels associated with, for example, two adjacent spot beams or BTSs. Similarly, the present invention optionally uses negative hysteresis to keep channels assigned to, for example, a BTS having a weaker signal strength rather than, handing off to another channel having a stronger signal strength. Negative hysteresis can also be used, for example, to facilitate a desired loading of the respective satellite and/or terrestrial networks, either individually or in combination with each other.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention uses a MSC to coordinate frequency assignment and/or use between the satellite and terrestrial components. The MSC determines which of the channels are currently being used, and where. In this embodiment, the MSC is operatively communicable with, for example, a base station controller (BSC) which, in turn, informs one or more BTSs which channels are currently in use by the satellite component. When a channel goes in use on a satellite while the channel is being used terrestrially, a determination is made whether a handoff should be made to a channel having a weaker signal.

More particularly, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a space based system comprising at least one satellite. Each satellite, in turn, comprises at least one antenna and establishes a first set of cells and transmits and receives GSM based waveforms using at least a first portion or at least one predetermined frequency band used by the first set of cells. In addition, a ground based system comprises at least one base transceiver station (BTS), each which can establish a second set of cells and transmit and receive GSM based waveforms utilizing at least a second portion of the one predetermined frequency band. The space and ground systems function substantially autonomously and use and/or reuse at least a portion of spectrum from at least one predetermined frequency band to be used as at least one of an uplink and downlink frequency channel from any of the frequencies within the at least one predetermined frequency band. However, the space based system and ground based system can utilize any air interfaces. For example, in other embodiments, the space and ground based systems can optionally utilize, for example, a code division multiple access (CDMA) based air interface or derivatives thereof. Similarly, the space based system can optionally utilize a CDMA based air interface or derivative thereof, whereas the ground based system can optionally utilize a GSM based air interface or derivative thereof. In addition, the ground based system can optionally utilize a CDMA based air interface or derivative thereof, whereas the space based system can optionally utilize a GSM based air interface or derivative thereof.

The system further comprises at least one subscriber terminal that communicates with at least one of the space based system and with the ground based system when located in at least one of the first and second set of cells, as well as at least one RRM that determines available communication links between the at least one subscriber terminal and at least one of the space based system and the ground based systems.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion and at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, wherein the ground based system uses and/or reuses at least a portion of at least one of the uplink and downlink portions. Each of the discrete portions are optionally associated with at least one of a satellite spot beam and a subsection of a spot beam.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion, at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, and at least ground based system portion. Further, at least two cells of the first set of cells in the space based system optionally utilize a mutually exclusive portion of the first portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band.

One or more frequencies in the first and second portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band used by the space based system and the ground based system are optionally substantially the same or closely spaced.

Each of the subscriber terminals can optionally utilize at least a first vocoder having a first data rate and at least a second vocoder having a second data rate, wherein the first vocoder is used when a subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and wherein the second vocoder is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system. The RRM optionally assigns and/or activates at least one of the first and second vocoders in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level.

The system can also optionally utilize at least one MSC that is operatively connected to the space based system and the ground based system that at assigns and/or activates a vocoder in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, and received signal level. The RRM can also optionally assign or activate a different vocoder to a voice communications circuit in response to the predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, signal strength, and received signal level having changed substantially since assignment or activation of the at least first and second vocoder being utilized.

The at least one predetermined frequency band can optionally comprise first and second frequency bands, such that subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system. In addition, the first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of the space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band can also optionally comprise first and second frequency bands, such that subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within a second frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system. The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of said space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band can also optionally comprise first and second frequency bands, such that subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system(s) by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system, and receive at frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system. The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of said space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band can also optionally comprise first and second frequency bands, such that subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system(s) by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receive at frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system. The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of the space based system.

The RRM(s) can optionally monitor which channels are currently being utilized by the subscriber terminals. A MSC operatively connected to one or more of the RRMs can optionally be utilized, wherein one or more of the RRMs indicate to the MSC which channels are currently being utilized by one or more of the subscriber terminals. Each RRM, can be, for example, a spectrum analyzer. Individual RRMs can optionally be utilized in connection with each of the space based and ground based systems to, for example, monitor inband interference and avoid using and/or reusing channels that would cause levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold. The RRMs can also optionally monitor at least one of received signal quality and available link margin from one or more of the subscriber terminals. The RRMs can also optionally execute utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level or has fallen below a predetermined link margin.

Each of the subscriber terminals can optionally comprise a variable rate vocoder, or two or more vocoders each having a different data rate. The vocoder data rate can be selected as determined by predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, signal strength, and/or received signal level.

RRMs can optionally monitors inband interference and avoid using channels containing levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold, as well as monitor received signal quality from subscriber terminals communicating with the space based system and/or ground based system. RRMs can also optionally monitor available link margin from subscriber terminals communicating with the space based and/or ground based systems. The RRMs can also optionally execute utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level or has fallen below a predetermined link margin.

The system can optionally comprise a NOC operatively connected to at least a MSC that assigns a channel to subscriber units. The NOC maintains cognizance of the availability of satellite and/or terrestrial resources, and optionally administers at least one of reconfiguration, assignment and reuse of frequencies within the predetermined frequency band to meet changed traffic patterns or other predetermined conditions. The NOC is optionally commonly shared between and operatively connected to the space based and ground based systems. The NOC can also optionally utilize past system traffic patterns in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies, as well as utilize at least one of hysteresis and negative hysteresis in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies.

The space based system satellite can optionally have a geostationary orbit, wherein the NOC dynamically assigns a channel to a subscriber unit communicating with the space based system. The dynamic assignment can optionally be performed on a call-by-call basis, or be based on past and present usage. Dynamic assignment is optionally performed by one or more base station controllers operationally connected to the NOC.

A exemplary method in accordance with the present invention assigns to a requesting subscriber unit a communication channel commonly shared between a space based communication system and a ground based communication system. The method comprises the steps of configuring a first satellite spot beam, associated with the space based system, having a plurality of communication channels associated therewith, and configuring at least one terrestrial cell, associated with the ground based system, that at least partially geographically overlaps the first satellite spot beam. A dual mode subscriber terminal requests a communication channel, and at least one of the ground based system and the space based system substantially autonomously determines channel availability and assigns to the requesting dual mode subscriber unit at least one of an unused channel and, for reuse with the dual mode subscriber terminal, a used channel having a sufficiently weak signal strength.

In accordance with the method, the space based system optionally utilizes a time division multiple access (TDMA) air interface, and the ground based system optionally utilizes a TDMA air interface. In general, however, any first and second air interfaces can be respectively utilized by the space based and ground based systems. For example, the first air interface can optionally be a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the second air interface can optionally be a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof. Alternatively, the first air interface can optionally be a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the second air interface can optionally be a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof. Similarly, the first air interface can optionally be a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the second air interface can optionally be a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof. Further, the first air interface can optionally be a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the second air interface can optionally be a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof.

The method optionally further comprises the step of increasing the output power of a subscriber terminal utilizing the space based system as the composite signal strength of the subscriber terminals utilizing the ground based system reaches a predetermined threshold. The number of subscriber terminals connections with the ground based system can optionally be decreased as at least one of bit error rate, received signal strength, available link margin, and voice quality reach respective predetermined thresholds.

The method optionally further comprises the steps of enabling a subscriber terminal to communicate at a plurality of data rates, and selecting a data rate as determined by at least one of capacity demand, voice quality, and subscriber terminal received signal level. One or more subscriber terminals communicating with the space based or ground based system can optionally utilize a different data rate as determined by at least one of capacity demand, and received signal level having changed substantially since assignment or activation of the current channel.

The channel can optionally comprise first and second frequency bands, such that the subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system. Subscriber terminals can also communicates with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within a second frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system. Subscriber terminal can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system, and receive at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system. In addition, subscriber terminals can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receive at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system. Further, subscriber terminals can optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receive at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system.

In accordance with the method, a first communication channel associated with the space based system optionally comprises a first frequency band used for uplink communication and a second frequency band used for uplink communication, such that the ground based system shares at least a common portion of the first and second frequency bands in a terrestrial cell positioned outside of and non-overlapping with the satellite spot beam.

In accordance with the method, at least one of the ground based system and the space based system optionally autonomously monitors inband interference and avoids using and/or reusing channels that would cause levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold. A different communications channel is preferably utilized when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level.

In accordance with the method, at least one of the space based system and the ground based systems autonomously monitor at least one of received signal quality and available link margin from a subscriber terminal. A different communications channel is preferably utilized when at least one of received signal quality and available link margin has fallen below a predetermined link margin.

The method optionally further comprises the step of arranging for at least one of channel reconfiguration and reuse of frequencies to meet changed traffic patterns. Past system traffic patterns, hysteresis and/or negative hysteresis can optionally be utilized in determining the reconfiguration and reuse of frequencies.

In accordance with the method, the communication channel is optionally assigned to the subscriber unit in accordance with a predetermined channel assignment scheme.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a method of making a telephone call using at least one of a space based system and a ground based system comprises the steps of dialing by a user using a subscriber terminal a telephone number within an area of a first terrestrial cell having at least partial overlapping geographic coverage with at least a satellite spot beam, wherein the terrestrial cell and the spot beam share a common set of frequencies. At least one of the ground based system and the space based system substantially autonomously determines channel availability in response to the dialing, and assign a channel to the requesting subscriber terminal.

In another embodiment, the system in accordance with the present invention comprises a cellular-configured dual mode communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells. Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that the space and ground systems can function in an integrated manner or substantially autonomously, each embodiment optionally using spectrum from, for example, the same set of frequencies in at least one predetermined frequency band and/or different sets of frequencies in one or more discrete bands, optionally dedicated to a particular system.

In at least some embodiments, two cells of the space based system use a mutually exclusive portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band. The space based system can optionally utilize a TDMA air interface, and the ground based system can also utilize a TDMA air interface. The TDMA air interfaces can be a standard GSM air interface or a derivative and/or similar system thereof. In general, however, the space based and ground based systems can utilize any first and second air interfaces. For example, the space based system can utilize a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the ground based system can utilize a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof. In addition, the space based system can utilize a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the ground based system can utilize a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof. Further, the space based system can utilize a GSM based air interface or a derivative thereof, and the ground based system can utilize a CDMA based air interface or a derivative thereof.

The at least one predetermined frequency band can optionally comprise at least one of a discrete space based system uplink portion and a discrete space based system downlink portion. The ground based system can optionally utilize at least a portion of at least one of the uplink and downlink portions, wherein each of the discrete portions are optionally associated with at least one of a satellite spot beam and a subsection of a spot beam.

The at least one predetermined frequency band further optionally comprises a discrete ground based system portion, wherein at least two cells of said space based system optionally utilize a mutually exclusive portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band.

The system further comprises at least one subscriber terminal communicating with the space based system and with the ground based system. The at least one predetermined frequency band used by the space based system and the ground based system are optionally substantially the same.

Subscriber terminals comprise having means for communicating with the space based system and with the ground based system optionally include a first plurality of standard vocoders, each having a different data rate, and a second plurality of standard vocoders, each having a different data rate. A vocoder in the first plurality can be used when a subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and a vocoder in the second plurality can be used when a subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system. The subscriber terminals can also utilize a variable rate vocoder.

The system can also include a RRM that assigns a vocoder or other functionally similar device in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality and/or received signal level. The RRM can optionally assign a different vocoder to a voice communications circuit in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand and/or received signal level having changed substantially since assignment of the vocoder utilized.

Subscriber terminals can optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at frequencies within a frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receiving at frequencies within a frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at frequencies within a frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system, and receiving at frequencies within a frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system. The subscriber terminals can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at frequencies within a frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receiving at frequencies within a frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system. Further, the subscriber terminals can optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at frequencies within a frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receive at frequencies within a frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system. In each of the above embodiments of the present invention, the frequencies used by a cell of the space based system can optionally be mutually exclusive to those used by a cell of the ground based system, containing one or more of subscriber terminals, within the cell of the space based system.

At least some embodiments of the system in accordance with the present invention can utilize one or more RRMs that monitor which channels are currently being utilized by each or any of one or more subscriber terminals. A first RRM can be utilized in connection with the ground based system, and a second RRM can be utilized in connection with the space based system. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more RRMs monitor inband interference and avoid using and/or reusing channels that would cause levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold. The one or more RRMs can optionally monitor subscriber terminal received signal quality, available link margin and/or utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level and/or has fallen below a predetermined link margin. The one or more RRMs also monitor inband interference and avoid using channels containing levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold, and/or monitor available link margin from subscriber terminals communicating with at least one of the space based system and the ground based system. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more RRMs can also execute utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level or has fallen below a predetermined link margin.

The RRM(s) can optionally monitor which channels are currently being utilized by the subscriber terminals. A MSC operatively connected to one or more of the RRMs can optionally be utilized, wherein one or more of the RRMs indicate to the MSC which channels are currently being utilized by one or more of the subscriber terminals. Each RRM, can be, for example, a spectrum analyzer. Individual RRMs can optionally be utilized in connection with each of the space based and ground based systems to, for example, monitor inband interference and avoid using and/or reusing channels that would cause levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold. The RRMs can also optionally monitor at least one of received signal quality and available link margin from one or more of the subscriber terminals. The RRMs can also optionally execute utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level or has fallen below a predetermined link margin.

The system can optionally comprise a NOC operatively connected to at least a MSC that assigns a channel to subscriber units. The NOC maintains cognizance of the availability of satellite and/or terrestrial resources, and optionally administers reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies within the predetermined frequency band to meet changed traffic patterns or other predetermined conditions. The NOC is optionally commonly shared between and operatively connected to the space based and ground based systems. The NOC can also optionally utilize past system traffic patterns in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies, as well as utilize at least one of hysteresis and negative hysteresis in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies.

The space based system satellite can optionally have a geostationary orbit, wherein the NOC dynamically assigns a channel to a subscriber unit communicating with the space based system. The dynamic assignment can optionally be performed on a call-by-call basis, or be based on past and present usage. Dynamic assignment is optionally performed by one or more base station controllers operationally connected to the NOC.

In another embodiment, the system in accordance with the present invention comprises a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells, wherein at least a portion of the second set of cells share at least a portion of a common geographic area and have overlapping coverage with the first set of cells, the space and ground systems function substantially autonomously and each use at least a portion of commonly shared spectrum from at least one predetermined frequency band.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion, and at least one discrete space based system downlink portion. The ground based system optionally utilizes at least a portion of at least one of the uplink and downlink portions. Each of the at least one discrete uplink and downlink portions are optionally associated with at least one of a satellite spot beam and a subsection of a spot beam. Further, at least two cells of the space based system use a mutually exclusive portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band.

The first and second air interfaces can optionally be, for example, TDMA air interfaces, such as GSM or a derivative thereof. However, in general, the space based system can utilize a first air interface (e.g., GSM or CDMA, or derivatives thereof), and the ground based system can utilize a second air interface (e.g., GSM or CDMA, or derivatives thereof).

The system further optionally comprises at least one subscriber terminal communicating with the space based system and with said ground based system. The subscriber terminals can optionally utilize a first vocoder having a first data rate and a second vocoder having a second data rate, wherein first vocoder is used when a subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and wherein a second vocoder is used when a subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system.

The system further optionally comprises a RRM operatively connected to the space based system and the ground based system, wherein the RRM optionally assigns and/or activates at least one of the first and second vocoders in response to, for example, capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level.

The system further optionally comprises at least one MSC operatively connected to the space based system and the ground based system that selectively assigns a vocoder in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level. The RRM also optionally assigns and/or activates a different vocoder to a voice communications circuit in response to the predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, signal strength, and/or received signal level having changed substantially since assignment or activation of the at least first and second vocoder being utilized.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises first and second frequency bands, and the subscriber terminals optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as a downlink of said space based system.

The subscriber terminals can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within a second frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system. The subscriber terminals can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system. Further, the subscriber terminals can also optionally communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receive at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system.

The system further optionally comprises at least one RRM that monitors which channels are currently being utilized by each of one or more subscriber terminals. The system further optionally comprises a MSC operatively connected to one or more of the RRMs, wherein one or more of the RRMs indicates to the MSC which channels are currently being utilized by the subscriber terminals. The RRM independently and autonomously identifies which channels are being used by the ground based system as being the difference between all of the frequencies being used by the system and the frequencies being used by said space based system. The RRM also independently and autonomously identifies which channels are being used by the space based system as being the difference between all of the frequencies being used by the system and the frequencies being used by said ground based system.

The system also optionally comprises a MSC operatively connected to one or more of the RRM(s), wherein one or more of the RRM(s) indicate to the MSC which channels are currently being utilized by each of one or more subscriber terminals. The RRM(s) can be, for example, a spectrum analyzer.

First and second RRMs can also be utilized, wherein a first RRM is utilized in connection with the ground based system, and wherein a second RRM is utilized in connection with the space based system. The first and second RRMs monitor inband interference and avoid using and/or reusing channels that would cause levels of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold. The RRMs also monitor at least one of subscriber terminal received signal quality and available link margin, and also optionally execute utilization of a different communications channel when a quality measure of the existing communications channel has fallen below a predetermined level and/or has fallen below a predetermined link margin. The RRMs further optionally monitor available link margin from subscriber terminals communicating with at least one of the space based system and the ground based system.

The system optionally further comprises a NOC operatively connected to at least a MSC that assigns a channel to subscriber units. The NOC maintains cognizance of the availability of at least one of satellite and terrestrial resources and administers reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies within said predetermined frequency band to meet changed traffic patterns or other predetermined conditions. The NOC is optionally commonly shared between and operatively connected to the space based system and the ground based system. The NOC optionally utilizes past system traffic patterns in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies, and also optionally utilizes hysteresis and/or negative hysteresis in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies.

The system can optionally utilize a satellite having a geostationary orbit, wherein the NOC dynamically assigns a channel to a subscriber unit communicating with the space based system and the satellite. The dynamic assignment is optionally performed on a call-by-call basis, or based on past and present usage. Further, the dynamic assignment is optionally performed by one or more base station controllers operationally connected to the NOC, such that the dynamic assignment optionally maximizes bandwidth separation of frequencies used by the space based system and the ground based system.

Further, in an embodiment wherein the space based and ground based systems function substantially autonomously and each use one or more mutually exclusive predetermined frequency bands, a method in accordance with the present invention is provided for initiating a call between a subscriber terminal and at least one of the space based system and the ground based system. The method comprises the steps of a subscriber terminal transmitting to the system a signal indicating whether it is a single or dual mode terminal. The system determines, based on at least the transmitted signal, whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, the system at least one of assigns to the ground based system for use with the dual mode subscriber terminal an unused space based system channel, using in the ground based system an unused ground based system channel, reusing in the ground based system a channel used by the space based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the dual mode subscriber terminal, and using in the space based system a channel assigned to the space based system. For a single mode subscriber terminal, an available channel is used in the space based system having an acceptable signal strength.

Further, in a cellular communications system in which the space based system and the ground based system share and commonly use at least a portion of a predetermined frequency band, and in which the space based and ground based systems function substantially autonomously, a method is provided for initiating a call between a subscriber terminal and at least one of the space based system and the ground based system. The method comprises the steps of a subscriber terminal transmitting to the system a signal indicating whether it is a single or dual mode terminal. The system determines whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, the system at least one of uses an unused channel to establish communication between the ground based system and the dual mode subscriber terminal, reuses in the ground based system a channel used by the space based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the subscriber terminal to establish communication between the ground based system and the dual mode subscriber terminal, and reuses in the ground based system a channel used by the ground based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the subscriber terminal to establish communication between the ground based system and the dual mode subscriber terminal. For a single mode terminal, the space based system uses an available channel having an acceptable signal strength.

Further, in a cellular communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells, in which at least a portion of the second set of cells share a common geographic area and have at least a portion of overlapping geographic coverage with the first set of cells, and in which the space based and ground based systems function substantially autonomously and each use one or more mutually exclusive predetermined frequency bands, a method is provided for executing a handoff from a first base station associated with the ground system to at least one of a second base station associated with the ground based system and a satellite. The method comprises the steps of determining whether a received signal strength indication (RSSI) between the subscriber terminal and the second base station is satisfied. A subscriber terminal transmits to the system a signal indicating whether it is a single or dual mode terminal. The system determines, based on at least the transmitted signal, whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, when the second base station has an acceptable RSSI, the system at least one of reassigns to the second base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal at least one of an unused space based system channel and an unused ground based system channel, and reuses by the second base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the space based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the subscriber terminal. For a single mode subscriber terminal, the subscriber terminal uses a channel associated with the space based system having an acceptable signal strength.

Further, in a cellular communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells, in which the space based system and the ground based system share and commonly use at least a portion of a predetermined frequency band, the space based and ground based systems functioning substantially autonomously, a method is provided for executing a handoff from a first base station associated with the ground system to at least one of a second base station associated with the ground based system and a satellite. The method comprises the steps of determining whether a received signal strength indication (RSSI) between the subscriber terminal and the second base station is satisfied. A subscriber terminal transmits to the system a signal indicating whether it is a single or dual mode terminal. The system determines, based at least one the transmitted signal, whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, when the second base station has an acceptable RSSI, the system at least one of reassigns to the second base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal an unused system channel, and reuses by the second base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the space based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the subscriber terminal. For a single mode subscriber terminal, the subscriber terminal uses at least one of an unused channel and a used channel having a sufficiently weak signal strength relative to the subscriber terminal.

Further, in a cellular communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells, in which at least a portion of the second set of cells share a common geographic area and have at least a portion of overlapping geographic coverage with the first set of cells, the space based and ground based systems functioning substantially autonomously and each using one or more mutually exclusive predetermined frequency bands, a method is provided for executing a handoff from a first satellite spot beam associated with the space based system to at least one of a second satellite spot beam associated with the space based system and a base station associated with the ground based system. The method comprises the steps of determining whether a received signal strength indication (RSSI) between the subscriber terminal and the second satellite spot beam is satisfied. A subscriber terminal transmits to the system a signal indicating whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. The system, based on at least the transmitted signal, determines whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, when the base station has an acceptable RSSI, the system at least one of assigns to the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal an unused space based system channel associated with the second spot beam, reuses by the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the second spot beam having a substantially weak signal strength relative to the dual mode subscriber terminal, and reuses by the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the ground based system having a substantially weak signal strength relative to the dual mode subscriber terminal, and uses by the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal an unused ground based system channel having sufficient signal strength. For a single mode subscriber terminal, a channel associated with a second spot beam of the space based system having a acceptable signal strength is utilized.

Further, in a cellular communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells, in which the space based system and the ground based system share and commonly use at least a portion of a predetermined frequency band, the space based and ground based systems functioning substantially autonomously and each using at least a portion of spectrum from at least a portion of one predetermined frequency band, a method is provided for executing a handoff from a first satellite spot beam associated with the space based system to at least one of a second satellite spot beam associated with the space based system and a base station associated with the ground based system comprises the steps of determining whether a received signal strength indication (RSSI) between the subscriber terminal and the second base station is satisfied. The subscriber terminal transmits to the system a signal indicating whether the subscriber terminal is a single or a dual mode terminal. The system determines based on at least the transmitted signal whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. For a dual mode subscriber terminal, when the base station has an acceptable RSSI, the system at least one of reassigns to the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal an unused system channel, and reuses by the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the space based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the dual mode subscriber terminal, reuses by the base station for communication with the dual mode subscriber terminal a channel used by the ground based system having a substantially weak signal relative to the dual mode subscriber terminal. For a single mode subscriber terminal, at least one of an unused channel associated with the second spot beam and a used channel having a sufficiently weak signal strength relative to the subscriber terminal is utilized.

Another embodiment of the system comprises a space based system comprising means for establishing a first set of cells and transmitting and receiving GSM based waveforms using at least a first portion of at least one predetermined frequency band used by the first set of cells. A ground based system comprises means for establishing a second set of cells and transmitting and receiving GSM based waveforms utilizing at least a second portion of the one predetermined frequency band, the space based and ground based systems functioning substantially autonomously and at least one of using and reusing at least a portion of spectrum from at least one predetermined frequency band. At least one subscriber terminal communicates with at least one of the space based system and with the ground based system when located in at least one of the first and second set of cells. Means for determining available communication links between the at least one subscriber terminal and the space based system and the ground based system is also provided.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion and at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, wherein the ground based system uses and/or reuses at least a portion of at least one of the uplink and downlink portions. Each of the discrete portions are optionally associated with at least one of a satellite spot beam and a subsection of a spot beam.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion, at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, and at least one ground based system portion.

At least two cells of the first set of cells in the space based system optionally use a mutually exclusive portion of the first portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band. Further, one or more frequencies in the first and second portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band used by the space based system and the ground based system are optionally substantially the same or closely spaced.

The at least one subscriber terminal optionally comprises at least a first vocoder having a first data rate and at least a second vocoder having a second data rate, wherein the first vocoder is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and wherein the second vocoder is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system.

The means for determining available communication links optionally at least one of assigns and activates at least one of the first and second vocoders in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level. The means for determining available communication links further optionally assigns or activates a different vocoder to a voice communications circuit in response to the predetermined criteria such as such as voice quality, signal strength, and/or received signal level having changed substantially since assignment or activation of the first or second vocoder being utilized.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises first and second frequency bands, and the subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system, and receiving at second frequencies within the second frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system.

The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of the space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises first and second frequency bands, wherein the subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within a first frequency band used as a downlink of the space based system, and receiving at second frequencies within a second frequency band used as an uplink of the space based system.

The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of said space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises first and second frequency bands, wherein the subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system, and receives at frequencies within the first frequency band used as the uplink of the space based system.

The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of the space based system.

The at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises first and second frequency bands, wherein subscriber terminals communicate with the ground based system by transmitting at first frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system, and receives at frequencies within the first frequency band used as the downlink of the space based system.

The first and second frequencies used by a cell of the space based system are optionally mutually exclusive to third frequencies used by a cell of the ground based system containing one or more of the subscriber terminals, within the cell of said space based system.

The means for determining available communication links comprises first and second means for determining available communication links, wherein a first means for determining available communication links is utilized in connection with the ground based system, and wherein a second means for determining available communication links is utilized in connection with the space based system.

The system further optionally comprises means for maintaining cognizance of the availability of at least one of satellite and terrestrial resources and administering reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies within the predetermined frequency band to meet changed traffic patterns or other predetermined conditions. The means for maintaining cognizance is optionally operatively connected to at least a MSC that assigns a channel to subscriber units.

In another embodiment, a cellular communications system in accordance with the present invention comprises a space based system comprising means for establishing a first set of cells and transmitting and receiving GSM based waveforms using at least a first portion of at least one predetermined frequency band used by the first set of cells. A ground based system comprises means for establishing a second set of cells and transmitting and receiving code division multiple access (CDMA) waveforms utilizing at least a second portion of the one predetermined frequency band to be used as at least one of an uplink and downlink frequency channel from any of the frequencies within the at least one predetermined frequency band. One or more subscriber terminals communicate with at least one of the space based system and with the ground based system when located in at least one of the first and second set of cells. The system also comprise means for determining available communication links between the subscriber terminals and the space based system and/or the ground based system.

The first portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band optionally comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion and at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, wherein the first portion is a subset of the second portion. Each of the discrete portions are optionally associated with at least one of a satellite spot beam and a subsection of a spot beam.

The first portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band comprises at least one discrete space based system uplink portion, at least one discrete space based system downlink portion, and a ground based system portion. At least two cells of the first set of cells in the space based system optionally use a mutually exclusive portion of the first portion of the at least one predetermined frequency band. Further, one or more frequencies in the first and second portions of the at least one predetermined frequency band are optionally substantially the same or closely spaced.

The subscriber terminals optionally comprise a first vocoder having a first data rate and a second vocoder having a second data rate, wherein the first vocoder is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the space based system, and wherein the second vocoder is used when the subscriber terminal is communicating with the ground based system.

The means for determining available communication links further optionally at least one of assigns and activates at least one of the first and second vocoders in response to predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level.

The system further optionally comprises means for at least one of assigning and activating a vocoder in response to predetermined criteria comprising, for example, capacity demand, voice quality, and/or received signal level.

The means for detecting available communication links optionally further assigns or activates a different vocoder to a voice communications circuit in response to the predetermined criteria such as capacity demand, voice quality, signal strength, and received signal level having changed substantially since assignment or activation of the at least first and second vocoder being utilized.

The system further optionally comprises means for maintaining cognizance of the availability of at least one of satellite and terrestrial resources and administering reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies within the predetermined frequency band to meet changed traffic patterns or other predetermined conditions. The means for maintaining cognizance is optionally operatively connected to at least a mobile switching center that assigns a channel to subscriber units. The means for maintaining cognizance optionally utilizes hysteresis and/or negative hysteresis in the reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of the frequencies.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prior art diagram of a satellite radiotelephone system;

FIGS. 2A,2B and2C are prior art schematic diagrams of frequency reuse in the satellite radiotelephone system shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the principal elements of a prior art communications system;

FIG. 4 is an overview block diagram of another embodiment of the prior art communications system shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary high level block diagram of a system that can use and/or be used to produce the frequency reuse schemes in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6ais an exemplary illustration of how a base transceiver station can enhance network coverage, particularly in an area having no line of sight path (or reduced line of sight path) with a satellite;

FIG. 6bshows, for an embodiment of the present invention using a single satellite, exemplary satellite uplink and downlink frequency bands commonly used by and shared with the terrestrial system;

FIG. 6cshows, for an embodiment of the present invention using two or more satellites, exemplary satellite uplink and downlink frequency bands commonly used by and shared with the terrestrial system;

FIG. 6dshows, for an embodiment of the present invention using a single satellite, exemplary satellite uplink and downlink frequency bands;

FIG. 6eshows, for an embodiment of the present invention using two or more satellites, exemplary satellite uplink and downlink frequency bands;

FIG. 6fshows two frequency bands, each having channels that can be utilized by the satellite and/or terrestrial components;

FIG. 6gshows a single frequency band with channels that can be utilized by the satellite and/or terrestrial components;

FIG. 7ais an exemplary high level block diagram illustrating an integrated satellite-terrestrial system that can use and/or be used, for example, to produce the frequency reuse schemes in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7bis an exemplary high level block diagram illustrating an integrated satellite-terrestrial system, utilizing a radio resource manager, that can use and/or be used, for example, to produce the frequency reuse schemes in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7cis an exemplary high level block diagram illustrating a satellite-terrestrial system having autonomous satellite and terrestrial components that can use and/or be used, for example, to produce the frequency reuse schemes in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8a,8b,8cand8dshow exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertaining to how uplink and downlink frequencies can be utilized in the satellite and terrestrial components;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic showing how link margins can be affected when utilizing different air interfaces for the satellite and terrestrial components;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary seven cell satellite spot beam pattern that can be used in connection with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary schematic showing how terrain blockage can affect assignment of frequencies;

FIG. 12ashows an exemplary flow diagram of an overall system method, including assignment and reuse of channels based on signal strength, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12bshows an exemplary flow diagram of a second overall system method, including assignment and reuse of channels based on signal strength, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a high level flow diagram illustrating the static and dynamic channel assignment features of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary flow diagram of call initialization when terrestrial mode is preferred while using common or partially overlapping frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6b,6c,6fand6g;

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary flow diagram of call initialization when terrestrial mode is preferred while using discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e;

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary flow diagram of base station-to-base station or base station-to-satellite handoff while using common or partially overlapping frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6band6c;

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary flow diagram of base station-to-base station or base station-to-satellite handoff while using discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary method of satellite-to-base station or satellite-to-satellite handoff while using common or partially overlapping frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6band6c;

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary method of satellite-to-base station or satellite-to-satellite handoff while using discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e; and

FIGS. 20aand20b, taken together, show an exemplary method of inverse assignment of the channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary high level block diagram of astandard system500 that can be used to implement the frequency assignment, reuse and/or reassignment, and other features of the present invention. The telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C)facility502 is used to control and monitor the one ormore satellites516 of thesystem500.

The terrestrial segment can use digital cellular technology, consisting of or including one or more Gateway Station Systems (GSS)504, a Network Operations Center (NOC)506, one or more Mobile Switching Centers (MSC)508, one or more Base Transceiver Stations (BTS)514, and a variety of mobile, portable, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), computer and/or fixedsubscriber terminals512. Thesubscriber terminals512 can be equipped with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) (not shown) or similar module that identifies theindividual subscriber terminal512. Thesubscriber terminals512 are generally handheld devices that provide voice, video and/or data communication capability.Subscriber terminals512 may also have additional capabilities and functionality such as, for example, paging. Equipping thesubscriber terminals512 with a SIM module can allow the user to have access to thesystem500 by using anysubscriber terminals512 having an authorized SIM.

TheMSC508 preferably performs the switching functions of thesystem500, and also optionally provides connection to other networks (e.g., Public Data Network (PDN)517, and/or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)518). Since thesubscriber terminals512 do not know what channels are actually being used by the satellite and/or terrestrial system, theMSC508 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention optionally identifies the channels that are in use and the channels that are not in use. In another embodiment, theMSC508 can receive updates from each terrestrial and satellite control center and or one or more radio resource managers (RRM) regarding is which channels are in use. TheMSC508 is preferably connected to aBSC510 which, in turn, is preferably connected to aBTS514. Therefore, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, theMSC508, via one or more RRMs, determines which channels are in use or not in use.

Subscriber terminals512 are preferably providing signal strength measurements and/or other measurements such as interference level, of thesatellites516 to, for example, aBTS514. It is preferred that theBSC510 assign a channel to thesubscriber terminal512. It is also preferred that theBSC510 first assign to thesubscriber terminal512 a channel that is not in use by the satellite. If all of the channels are in use, then theBSC510 selects, for example, the satellite channel having the weakest signal strength relative to thesubscriber terminal512. Alternatively, any standard algorithm can optionally be used to determine a preferred channel to use.

BTSs514 can be used in those areas where the satellite signal is attenuated by, for example, terrain and/or morphological features, and/or to provide in-building coverage. TheBTSs514 andBSCs510 generally provide and control the air interface to thesubscriber terminals512. TheBTSs514 can optionally use any standard wireless protocol that is very similar to that of thesatellites516. Alternatively,BTSs514 can use a first air interface (e.g., CDMA), and thesatellite516 can use a second air interface (e.g., GSM, or Global Mobile Satellite Systems (GMSS), which is a satellite air interface standard which is developed from GSM). TheBSC510 generally controls one or more BTSs514 and manages their radio resources.BSC510 is principally in charge of handovers, frequency hopping, exchange functions and control of the radio frequency power levels of theBTSs514.

NOC506 can provide functions such as, for example, monitoring of system power levels to ensure that transmission levels remain within tolerances, and line monitoring to ensure the continuity of the transmission lines that interconnect theBSC510 to theBTS514, that interconnect theMSC508 to the PDN517 and that interconnect thePSTN518, and theNOC506 to other network components. TheNOC506 can also monitor thesatellite516 transponders to ensure that they are maintained within frequency assignment and power allocation tolerances. TheNOC506 also ensures that communication resources are available and/or assigned, reused and/or borrowed in a timely manner to, for example, facilitate calls originating and/or transmitted to asubscriber terminal512. Finally, to effectuate, for example, the dynamic channel assignment of the present invention, theNOC506 generally maintains cognizance of the availability of satellite and/or terrestrial resources and arranges for any necessary satellite reconfiguration and/or assignment and or reuse of frequencies to meet changed traffic patterns. An exemplary NOC is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,745, incorporated herein by reference.

Thesystem500 will also have one ormore satellites516 that communicate with theGSS504 and thesubscriber terminals512. Atypical GSS504 will have an antenna to access thesatellite516. On the uplink transmission path, theGSS504 will generally have upconverters that can translate theGSS504 intermediate frequency (IF) to the feeder link frequency. On the downlink transmission path, the received signal is preferably amplified, and feeder link frequencies are translated to the common IF.

Thesystem500 generally comprises satellite and terrestrial components. Satellite components comprise, for example,TT&C502,GSS504, andsatellite516. Terrestrial components comprise, for example,BSC510 andBTSs514. In theFIG. 5 embodiment, theNOC506,MSC508 are shared by the satellite and terrestrial systems. As will be discussed with regard toFIGS. 7a-7d, alternate embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,separate NOCs506 and/orMSCs508 for the satellite and terrestrial components to facilitate autonomous or substantially autonomous operation.

FIG. 6ais anexemplary BTS514 frequency plan. The nomenclature is provided as follows:

• • f^U_1aand f^D_1a
  • superscripts U and D indicate uplink and downlink, respectively;
  • the numeric subscript (e.g., 1) indicates the frequency band; and
  • the letter subscript (e.g., a) indicates the channel within the frequency band.

Users communicating onuplink604 anddownlink602 would use, for example, paired uplink and downlink channels f^U_1aand f^D_1a, f^U_1band f^D_1b, f^U_1cand f^D_1c, etc. Advantageously, in the present invention, different channels within the same frequency band, or different frequency bands, are optionally assigned, reused and/or reassigned in a non-pairwise manner. For example, downlink602 could be using f^D_1a, whereasuplink604 could be using f^U_1b. Similarly, downlink602 could be using f^D_1cwhereasuplink604 could be using f^U_1d. These pairings are illustrative only, insofar as numerous othernon-pairwise uplink604 and downlink602 combinations are available that can be used, for example, within different terrestrial cells, within different areas of a spot beam, and/or between different spot beams.

Further, suppose that f^U_2aand f^D_2aare the uplink and downlink frequency bands associated with a second domestic or foreign satellite system. Users ofsystem500 communicating ondownlink602 anduplink604 could use, for example, uplink and downlink frequencies f^U_1aand f^D_2a, F^U_1cand f^D_2b, f^U_1band f^D_2c, etc. In general, the present invention optionally uses one or more uplink and downlink channels that are from different frequency bands and/or associated with a different domestic and/or foreign satellite system.

FIG. 6bshows, for a single satellite system,illustrative uplink604 anddownlink602 frequencies/channels that can be used with the satellite component. Each channel generally comprises a control portion and a data or voice portion. As shown, and as will be discussed in more detail with regard toFIGS. 8a-8c, thesatellite uplink604 anddownlink602 frequencies, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, are commonly used and shared by the terrestrial component, and generally comprise a range of separated frequencies (e.g., 1626.5-1660.5 MHz for uplink, and 1525-1559 MHz for downlink). The present invention is not limited, however, to sharing frequencies within a single frequency band assigned and/or designated by, for example, a government regulatory agency. The present system may also therefore, share and/or reuse frequencies of other domestic, foreign, and/or international satellite and/or terrestrial systems, subject to, for example, national, foreign, and/or international government regulatory approval.

Accordingly, as defined in connection with the present invention, a frequency band comprises any set of frequencies, and is not limited to a consecutive set or series of frequencies. Further, a frequency band in alternative embodiments may comprise a logical set of frequencies that may be assigned to different communication systems, carriers, or in other predesignated frequency bands. That is, for example, a frequency band in the present invention may include frequencies that are assigned to other frequency bands, for example, for different purposes. With regard toFIG. 6b,individual channels603,605 are shown withinfrequency bands604,602, respectively.

FIG. 6cshows, for a multiple satellite system,illustrative uplinks604a,604band downlinks602a,602bwithin the frequency bands of the satellite system.FIG. 6ccan equally be used to provide different frequency bands associated with various spot beams of a single satellite, and/or subparts or subsectors of a single spot beam. As shown, thesatellite uplink604a,604band downlink602a,602bfrequencies, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, are commonly used and shared by the terrestrial system, and generally comprise a range of separated frequencies (e.g., 1626.5-1643 MHz forsatellite1uplink604a, 1644-1660.5 MHz for satellite n uplink604n, and 1525-1542 MHz forsatellite1downlink602a, and 1543-1559 MHz for satellite n downlink602n).Individual channels607,609 are shown withinuplink frequency bands604a,604b, respectively, andindividual channels611,613 are shown withindownlink frequency bands602a,602b, respectively.

FIG. 6dshows an alternate embodiment of the frequency bands ofFIG. 6bin which thesatellite frequencies602c,604cand theterrestrial frequencies602d,604dare discrete. That is, in contrast to the frequency bands shown inFIG. 6b, where satellite and terrestrial frequencies comprisecommon frequency bands602,604, inFIG. 6dthere is no sharing of satellite and terrestrial frequencies within a common frequency band.Individual channels611,613,615, and617, are shown withinfrequency bands602c,602d,604c, and604d, respectively.

FIG. 6eshows an alternate embodiment of the frequency bands ofFIG. 6cin which the satellite-frequencies602e,602f,604e,604fandterrestrial frequencies602g,604gare discrete. That is, in contrast to the frequency bands shown inFIG. 6c, where satellite and terrestrial frequencies comprisecommon frequency bands602a,602b,604a,604b, inFIG. 6ethere is no sharing of satellite and terrestrial frequencies within a common frequency band.Individual channels619,621,623,625,627, and629 are shown withinfrequency hands602e,602f,602g,604e,604fand604g, respectively.FIG. 6ecan equally be used to provide different frequency bands associated with various spot beams of a single satellite, and/or subparts or subsectors of a single spot beam.

FIG. 6fshows an alternate embodiment of the frequency bands ofFIG. 6b. InFIG. 6f,frequency bands606a,606beach contain channels that can be used for satellite uplink, satellite downlink and/or terrestrially.FIG. 6gshows asingle frequency band608 that contains channels that can be used for satellite uplink, satellite downlink and/or terrestrially.

FIG. 7ais an exemplary high level block diagram of a satellite-terrestrial system that can use, for example, the frequency assignment and/or reuse schemes in accordance with the present invention. The system ofFIG. 7ais at least partially integrated in that the satellite component and the terrestrial component each share acommon NOC506 and MSC508 (wherein S-MSC represents the satellite portion of theMSC508, and T-MSC represents the terrestrial portion of the MSC).

AlthoughFIG. 7aillustrates a GSM architecture, the satellite and terrestrial components comprising thesystem500 of the present invention are not limited to the use of a GSM system, and can be deployed with all satellite (e.g., LEO, MEO, GEO, etc.) and cellular terrestrial technologies (e.g., TD, CDMA, GSM, etc., or any combinations thereof).

An exemplary Home Location Register (HLR)706 comprises a database that stores information pertaining to the subscribers belonging to thesystem500. TheHLR706 also stores the current location of these subscribers and the services to which they have access. In an exemplary embodiment, the location of the subscriber corresponds to theSS7504 address of the Visitor Location Register (VLR)702 associated with thesubscriber terminal512.

Anexemplary VLR702 contains information from a subscriber'sHLR706 in order to provide the subscribed services to visiting users. When a subscriber enters the covering area of anew MSC508, theVLR702 associated with thisMSC508 will request information about the new subscriber to itscorresponding HLR706. TheVLR702 will then have enough information in order to administer the subscribed services without needing to ask theHLR706 each time a communication is established. TheVLR702 is optionally implemented together with aMSC508, so the area under control of theMSC508 is also the area under control of theVLR702.

The Authentication Center (AUC)708 register is used for security purposes, and generally provides the parameters needed for authentication and encryption functions. These parameters help to verify the user's identity.

In accordance with the present invention, and as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,968, which in incorporated herein by reference, asubscriber terminal512 can optionally utilize a standard variable rate vocoder (i.e., a voice encoder that at two or more data rates codes/decodes, for example, human speech into/from digital transmission) or multiple vocoders, each transmitting at a different data rate to, for example, increaseeffective system500 bandwidth, voice or data quality, received signal level, and/or link margin. As used herein, link margin is defined as the difference between the signal-to-noise ratio available to the receiver (e.g.,subscriber terminal512,BTS514 and/or satellite516) and the signal-to-noise ratio needed at the receiver to achieve a specific performance (e.g., Bit Error Rate (BER)).

For example, one or more of thesubscriber terminals512 can have a variable rate vocoder used for both satellite and terrestrial communication having data rates of, for example, 13.0 kbit/sec, 6.0 kbit/sec, 3.6 kbit/sec, 2.4 kbit/sec, and 2.0 kbit/sec. Alternatively, one or more of thesubscriber terminals512 can have, for example, a variable rate vocoder for terrestrial communications, and a variable rate vocoder for satellite communications. One or more of thesubscriber terminals512 could also have a plurality of vocoders having different data rates and used for terrestrial communication, and a plurality of vocoders having different data rates and used for satellite communication. TheMSC508 and/or theGSS504 andBSC510, for example, can also utilize corresponding vocoders to coordinate data rate selection and/or transition.

If thesystem500 determines thatsystem500 channel usage, or channel usage within a portion of thesystem500, is reaching a predetermined threshold (e.g., 90%), a control signal can be transmitted to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder data rate. Thus if thesubscriber terminal512 was utilizing, for example, a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now be directed to utilize, for example, a vocoder having a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth of the system500 (by permitting additional calls). Use of a higher data rate can optionally resume when channel usage falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 60%).

Similarly, if thesystem500 determines that the BER exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10⁻³for voice), thesystem500 can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder data rate. Thus if thesubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now be directed to utilize a vocoder having, for example, a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby reducing the bit error rate by effectively increasing the available link margin. Use of a higher vocoder rate can optionally resume when voice quality and/or link margin exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Specifically, thesatellite516 or aBSC510 could send a control signal to, for example, thesubscriber terminal512, optionally viaMSC508, indicating whether the signals received from thesubscriber terminal512 are of a sufficient quality. For example, a GSM-based Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) signal, which is used for time critical signaling such as when performing handovers, can be sent to asubscriber terminal512 to indicate that the signals received are not of sufficient quality. A receiver unit (not shown), for example, within thesubscriber terminal512 can in turn send a control signal to, for example, a variable rate vocoder within thesubscriber terminal512 to cause the vocoder to reduce the bit rate of the signal being transmitted from thesubscriber terminal512 to thesatellite516.

Finally, the variable rate vocoder can be used to improve the effective received signal level as determined by, for example, received signal strength indication (RSSI), which is the measured power of a received signal. The RSSI is a relative measure of received signal strength for aparticular subscriber terminal512, and can optionally be based on, for example, automatic gain control settings. If thesystem500 determines that the RSSI is below a predetermined threshold, theMSC508, for example, can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 to utilize a lower vocoder data rate. Thus, if one or more of thesubscriber terminals512 was utilizing a data rate of 13.0 kbit/sec, the subscriber terminal(s)512 could now utilize a data rate of 2.4 kbit/sec, thereby increasing the effective link margin.

FIG. 7bis an exemplary high level block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the satellite-terrestrial system that utilizes a radio resource manager (RRM)720. TheRRM720 is preferably communicable withGSS504, with the BSCs510 (not shown), with theMSC508, and/or with one ormore BTSs514. TheRRM720 is preferably used to determine channels currently in use, and to optionally monitor inband interference to avoid, for example, using channels expected to cause unacceptable levels of interference (e.g., a level of interference exceeding a predetermined threshold as defined, for example, by BER). TheRRM720 can also optionally be used to monitor received signal quality and available link margin, and execute, for example, an intra-beam and/or intra-band hand-over of the communications channel when a quality measure thereof has fallen below a predetermined level and/or has exhausted a predetermined amount of link margin.

TheRRM720 preferably has means for determining which channels are being used by thesystem500. For example,RRM720 can comprise or utilize, for example, a suitable antenna operatively connected to a spectrum analyzer capable of searching, for example, one or more frequency bands for the presence of radio signals, and to determine what channels are currently being utilized within the frequency band(s). Thus, by being able to monitor usage of one or more of the frequency bands shown, for example, inFIGS. 6b-6e, theRRM720 can identify all of the channels allocated to thesystem500 that are currently being used. Alternatively, thesystem500, via direct connection can inform theRRM720 as to what channels are in use. In this embodiment, theRRM720 does not need to monitor whether the channels are being used by either the satellite or terrestrial component(s); theRRM720 simply determines whether a channel is currently in use or not in use.

As discussed with regard to the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 7a, thesubscriber terminals512 of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7bcan also utilize a variable rate vocoder or multiple vocoders, each transmitting at a different data rate to, for example, increaseeffective system500 bandwidth, voice quality, effective received signal level, and/or link margin. TheMSC508 and/or theGSS504 and BSC510 (not shown), for example, can also utilize corresponding vocoders to coordinate data rate selection and/or transition.

If thesystem500 determines that system channel usage, or channel usage within a portion of thesystem500, is reaching a predetermined threshold (e.g., 90%), a control signal can be transmitted to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder rate. Thus if thesubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now be directed to utilize, for example, a vocoder having a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth of the system500 (by permitting additional calls utilizing a lower data rate). Use of a higher data rate can optionally resume when channel usage falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 60%).

Similarly, if thesystem500 determines that voice quality as determined by, for example, bit error rate exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10⁻³for voice), thesystem500 can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder data rate. Thus, if asubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now be directed to utilize a vocoder having a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby reducing the bit error rate. Use of a higher vocoder rate can optionally resume when voice or data quality exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Specifically, thesatellite516 or a BSC510 (not shown), for example, can send a signal to asubscriber terminal512, viaMSC508, indicating whether the signals received from thesubscriber terminal512 are of a sufficient quality. For example, a GSM-based FACCH signal, as previously discussed, can be sent to asubscriber terminal512 to indicate that the signals received are not of sufficient quality. A receiver unit (not shown), for example, within asubscriber terminal512 can in turn send a control signal to, for example, a variable rate vocoder within thesubscriber terminal512 to cause the vocoder to reduce the bit rate of the signal being transmitted from thesubscriber terminal512 to thesatellite516.

Finally, the variable rate vocoder can be used to improve effective received signal level as determined by, for example, RSSI. In this case, if thesystem500 determines that the RSSI is below a predetermined threshold, theMSC508, for example, can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 to utilize a lower vocoder data rate. Thus if thesubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a data rate of 13.0 kbit/sec, thesubscriber terminal512 could now utilize a data rate of 2.4 kbit/sec, thereby increasing effective RSSI and/or link margin.

FIG. 7cis an exemplary high level block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an autonomous satellite-terrestrial system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the satellite and terrestrial components each have theirown RRMs720aand720b,MSCs508a,508h, andNOCs506a,506b, respectively. As shown, the satellite and terrestrial components also have their own respective VLRs702a,702b,HLRs706a,706b, andAUCs718a,718b. In alternate embodiments, the VLRs702a,702b,HLRs706a,706b, and/orAUCs718a,718bcan also be connected to, for example, thePSTN518.

As discussed with regard toFIG. 5, theNOCs506a,506bensure that communication resources are available and/or assigned, reused and/or borrowed in a timely manner. Thus, by advantageously providingseparate NOCs506a,506b,MSCs508a,508b,RRMs720a,720b, VLRs702a,702b,HLRs706a,706b, andAUCs718a,718bin this embodiment, the satellite and terrestrial components, while sharing and/or being assigned to at least a portion of a common frequency band tan operate independently of each other.

Since, as previously discussed,RRMs720a,720bcan determine the channels currently being utilized,RRM720bcan therefore determine, independently and without communication withRRM720aor any other satellite component equipment, what channels are not being used for satellite communication by thesystem500. For example, theRRMs720a,720bcan comprise or utilize, for example, a suitable antenna operatively connected to a spectrum analyzer capable of searching a band of radio frequencies for the presence of radio signals, to determine what frequencies are currently being utilized within a range or ranges of frequencies of interest.RRM720bcan therefore determine, independently and without communication withRRM720aassociated with the satellite component, or any other satellite component equipment, what frequencies are not being used by the system for satellite communication. Since theRRM720bknows the frequencies used across a range of frequencies of interest, as well as the frequencies used by the terrestrial component,RRM720bcan also determine or deduce the frequencies that are currently being used by the satellite component. Similarly, the satellite component functions in substantially the same manner to, inter alia, determine the frequencies currently being used by the terrestrial component.

Similarly,RRM720acould also use, for example, an antenna in combination with frequency and/or spectrum analysis techniques to determine, independently and without communication withRRM720bor any other terrestrial component equipment, what channels are being used by thesystem500 for terrestrial communications. SinceRRM720aknows all of the channels used across a range of frequencies of interest, as well as the channels used by the satellite component,RRM720acan identify the channels that are currently being used by the terrestrial component.

As discussed with regard to the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 7aand7b, thesubscriber terminals512 of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7ccan also utilize a variable rate vocoder or multiple vocoders, each transmitting at a different data rate to, for example, increaseeffective system500 bandwidth, voice quality, received signal level, and/or link margin. TheMSC508a,508band/or theGSS504 and BSC510 (not shown), for example, can also utilize corresponding vocoders to coordinate data rate selection and/or transition.

If thesystem500 determines thatsystem500 channel usage, or channel usage within a portion of thesystem500, is reaching a predetermined threshold (e.g., 90%), a control signal can be transmitted to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder data rate. Thus, if asubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now utilize, for example, a vocoder having a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth of the system500 (by permitting additional calls utilizing a lower data rate). Use of a higher data rate can optionally resume when channel usage falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 60%).

Similarly, if thesystem500 determines that voice or data quality as determined by, for example, bit error rate exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10⁻³for voice), thesystem500 can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 directing usage of a lower vocoder data rate. Thus, if asubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a vocoder having a 13.0 kbit/sec data rate, thesubscriber terminal512 could now be directed to utilize a vocoder having a 2.4 kbit/sec data rate, thereby reducing the bit error rate. Use of a higher vocoder rate can optionally resume when voice quality exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Specifically, thesatellite516 or a BSC510 (not shown) can send a signal to thesubscriber terminal512, viaMSC508aorMSC508b, respectively, indicating whether the signals received from thesubscriber terminal512 are of a sufficient quality. For example, a GSM-based FACCH signal, as previously discussed, can be sent to asubscriber terminal512 to indicate that the signals received are not of sufficient quality. A receiver unit (not shown), for example, within thesubscriber terminal512 can in turn send a control signal to, for example, a variable rate vocoder within thesubscriber terminal512 to cause the vocoder to reduce the bit rate of the signal being transmitted from thesubscriber terminal512 to thesatellite516 or to theBTS514

Finally, the variable rate vocoder can be used to improve received signal level as determined by, for example, RSSI. In this case, if thesystem500 determines that the RSSI is below a predetermined threshold, therespective MSC508a,508b, for example, can transmit a control signal to one ormore subscriber terminals512 to utilize a lower vocoder data rate. Thus, if asubscriber terminal512 was utilizing a data rate of 13.0 kbit/sec, thesubscriber terminal512 could now utilize a data rate of 2.4 kbit/sec, thereby increasing the effective RSSI and/or link margin.

FIGS. 8a,8b, and8cshow exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertaining to how uplink and downlink frequencies can be utilized in or by the satellite and terrestrial components,FIG. 8ashows a first exemplary embodiment where thesatellite516 downlink f₁is used, assigned and/or reused as the terrestrial downlink f₁. Similarly, the satellite uplink f₂is used as the terrestrial uplink link f₂. Interference with channels typically may result when, for example, asubscriber terminal512 has a direct line of sight path to one or more satellites, and also has a communication link with a terrestrial BTS having the same or nearby frequency.

The embodiment shown inFIG. 8binvolves reversing the satellite downlink f₁and satellite uplink f₂frequencies to become the terrestrial uplink link f₁and terrestrial downlink link f₁frequencies, respectively. As a result, there will be two possible interference paths: (1) between thesatellite516 andBTS514, as uplink to downlink interference on f₁, and as uplink to downlink interference on f₂, and (2) between thesatellite subscriber terminals512aandterrestrial subscriber terminals512b, as downlink to uplink interference on f₁, and as downlink to uplink interference on f₂. Measures should be taken to eliminate or substantially reduces both of these possible interferences.

For example, to minimize these interferences,BTSs514 that have a substantially reduced gain in the geostationary arc (i.e., the elevation angle above the horizon from a base station to the satellite) can be utilized. Within North America, the geostationary arc typically varies from approximately 30° to 70°, depending, for example, on the latitude of the base station. To fully take advantage of this fact, it is preferred that the base station antenna pattern have a null, and therefore significantly reduced gain, in the geostationary arc portion of its vertical pattern.

In addition, it is preferred that theBTSs514 be optimally or substantially optimally located and oriented to advantageously utilize the horizontal gain pattern of the antenna. The benefits of using this technique, for example, are that frequency reuse will be maximized or substantially maximized, thereby enhancing the overall capacity of the system, and further reducing or eliminating interference.

In addition to the increased isolation provided by the vertical antenna pattern, additional isolation can be obtained from the horizontal antenna pattern. For example, preferably by configuringBTSs514 such that the azimuth to the satellite is off-bore or between sectors, several additional dB of isolation can typically be achieved. By keeping this configuration standard for, say, a cluster of base stations, frequency reuse for the terrestrial system can generally be increased.

Interference betweensatellite subscriber terminals512aandterrestrial subscriber terminals512bis typically a problem when the units are in relatively close proximity to one another. It is preferred that such interference be substantially reduced or eliminated by, for example, first detecting close proximity before the assignment of a radio channel (i.e., during call initialization), and secondly by providing a hand-off to a non-interfering channel if close proximity occurs after the assignment of a radio channel. For example, a relatively small group of channels, called “transition channels”, can be reserved for single-mode terminals. The single mode terminals preferably use transition channels while inside base station coverage. It is also preferred that dual-mode terminals also use the transition channels under certain circumstances. For example, after a dual mode terminal scans channels for signal strength and interference, a transition channel can be utilized if unacceptable levels of interference are detected.

The embodiment shown inFIG. 8cinvolves using the satellite system uplink f₂as both the terrestrial system downlink f₂and uplink f₂frequencies using time division duplex techniques. In alternate embodiments, the terrestrial downlink and uplink frequencies are optionally discrete bands. For example, downlink frequencies may comprise f_2a, and uplink frequencies may comprise f_2b.

Finally, the embodiment shown inFIG. 8dinvolves using the satellite system downlink f₁as both the terrestrial system downlink f₁and uplink f₁frequencies using time division duplex techniques. In alternate embodiments, the terrestrial downlink and uplink frequencies are optionally discrete bands. For example, downlink frequencies may comprise f_1a, and uplink frequencies may comprise f_1b.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic showing how link margins can be affected when the satellite and terrestrial components use different air interfaces simultaneously in overlapping areas of coverage.FIG. 9 assumes that the satellite component usesGSM902, and that the terrestrial component usesCDMA904. However, the principles discussed herein with regard toFIG. 9 are generally applicable to any air interface(s) that may be used with the satellite and terrestrial components.

As shown, theGSM channel902 can be a 200 kHz channel, and theCDMA channel904 can be a 1.25 MHz channel. If the satellite component is using theGSM channel902 and the terrestrial component is not operating (i.e., the 1.25 CDMA channel is not being used), there will be a noise floor A, and thesubscriber terminals512 will provide output at power level910. The link margin can be increased by, for example, increasing power output level910, reducing noise floor A, or a combination thereof.

When the terrestrial system goes into use, the noise floor is indicated by C, which generally corresponds to the aggregate power output of theCDMA channel904. In order to compensate for the increased noise floor C and increase their link margin,subscriber terminals512 operating in the GSM/satellite mode will provide output atpower level912 to overcome the higher noise floor C. Accordingly, subscriber terminals will provide output at912 to provide sufficient link margin.

Now, consider the situation in whichsubscriber terminals512 are using theCDMA channel904, but not theGSM channel902. In such a case, the terrestrial component will generally be able to utilize all n CDMA channels per carrier.

When the satellite component goes into use,subscriber terminals512 operating in the satellite mode will detect noise floor C, assuming thatsubscriber terminals512 are utilizing all n CDMA channels. Accordingly,subscriber terminals512 operating in the satellite mode will output atlevel912, which appears as noise to thesubscriber terminals512 operating in the terrestrial mode. The terrestrial system will then gracefully degrade by, for example, prohibiting, for a period of time,subscriber terminal512 use of certain user codes n (e.g., channels) once the calls have, for example, been terminated. The RRM720 (or720a) can determine when additional calls can be established by considering, for example, anticipated link margin on the call to be established.

FIG. 10 shows asingle satellite516 providing a first set of cells1-7 in the form of a seven cell pattern. A second set of terrestrial cells8-10 is also shown, each generally comprising or operationally communicable with aBTS514.FIG. 10 can use any of the embodiments discussed with regard toFIGS. 7a-7d. Multiple satellites and/or any number of cells and/or cell configurations may be used.

Suppose a subscriber terminal512 (not shown) positioned withinterrestrial cell8 wishes to use a channel when all channels are currently being used by thesatellite516. If all channels are currently being used (see, e.g.,FIGS. 6b-6g), thesubscriber terminal512 will preferably measure and select the satellite channel or channel that is busy with the weakest signal strength to be reused terrestrially by thesubscriber terminal512. Selecting the satellite channel with the weakest signal generally minimizes the interference between thesatellite516 and thesubscriber terminal512.

Generally, the channels associated with the spot beam most geographically distant from the subscriber terminal512 (in, for example, terrestrial cell8) have the weakest signal strength and thus will cause the least interference. Thus, with regard toterrestrial cell8, the channels associated withcells7 and2 are the furthest distance (geographically), and will generally cause the least interference. Channels selected fromcells3 and6 will generally cause more interference than those channels selected fromcells7 and2, channels selected fromcells5 and4 will generally cause more interference than channels selected fromcells3 and6, and channels selected fromcell1 will generally cause the most interference. If there is an available channel that is not being used (by either the satellite or terrestrial components), thesubscriber terminal512 is preferably assigned an unused channel. Once the call is setup, handover will be performed if interference levels having, for example, a predetermined threshold are detected. The above process may alternatively or in addition be used for systems with overlapping satellite-satellite coverage and/or overlapping terrestrial-terrestrial coverage.

As shown inFIG. 11, the present invention can also be practiced with two ormore satellites516a,516b, each having their ownrespective spot beam1104a,1104b. The (two or more)satellites516a,516bwill generally have different assigned frequency bands and associated channels, as shown, for example, inFIG. 6c. Eachspot beam1104a,1104bcan further comprise, for example, two or more subareas or subsectors, each having their own frequency band or portion thereof associated therewith.

When possible,subscriber terminal512a(512a,512b,512c,512dcan represent a single terminal in four locations, or four different subscriber terminals) preferably measures signal strength of the signaling and/or traffic channels associated with eachsatellite516a,516b, and with at least theBTS514 of the terrestrial cell (if any) that the subscriber terminal is positioned in. The signaling channels are the control channels, and the traffic channels are where, for example, voice conversations take place. For example, when thesubscriber terminal512ais positioned interrestrial cell1106, it will measure the strength of signals from at leastBTS514a. However, when thesubscriber terminal512ais, for example, on a cell boundary betweenterrestrial cells1106 and1108, the subscriber terminal can optionally measure the signal strength from, for example,BTS514aandBTS514b, and optionally from other neighboring BTS(s) (not shown). It is preferred thatsubscriber terminals512 continuously measure the signal strength of thesatellite516a,516band theBTSs514.

In general, when a channel is not in use by any communication system covering a predetermined area, thesubscriber terminals512 will preferably and generally select for use the channel having the strongest signal strength or other criteria that indicates a preferred communication channel such as band, capacity, protocols, time of day, location, interference level, and the link. With regard toFIGS. 6b,6c,6fand6g, any unused channel, however, can be selected to accommodate, for example, network loading considerations. This channel can be used to communicate with asubscriber terminal512 either by the satellite component (e.g.,602,602a, or602b) or terrestrial component (e.g.,604,604a, or604b) of thesystem500.

When all channels are in use, thesubscriber terminal512 will preferably select a channel (e.g.,615) currently being used by thesatellite516 having the weakest signal strength, and use that channel to communicate with aBTS514 with which thesubscriber terminal512 has the strongest signal.

FIG. 12ashows a first exemplary flow diagram of an overall system method, including assignment and reuse of channels based, for example, on signal strength, in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 12aassumes that there are separate satellite and terrestrial channels as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e. At decision step2 a determination is made whether a terrestrial channel is available. The determination can be made by asubscriber terminal512, aRRM720,720a,720b, aBTS514, or aNOC508,508a,508b. For example, as previously described herein, the subscriber can select a channel based on signal strength (and, for example, based on the channel having an acceptably low interference level and/or availability). Channel availability as determined by theRRM720,720a,720 has been discussed with regard toFIGS. 7a-7d. Similarly, as previously described herein, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, theBTS514, via theMSC508 and theBSC510, determines which channels are in use or not in use. NOCs(s)508,508a,508b, can maintain cognizance of the availability of satellite and/or terrestrial resources and/or arrange for reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies to meet changed traffic patterns.

If it is determined that a terrestrial channel is available, then an available channel is used terrestrially atstep20, and the process ends. If a terrestrial channel is not available, a determination is made atdecision step4 if a satellite channel is available. If so, an available channel is used for satellite communication atstep22, and the process ends. If a satellite channel is not available, a determination is made whether the one or more satellites are in a geosynchronous orbit atdecision step6.

If a geosynchronous orbit is utilized then, atdecision step8, a determination is optionally made whether channels are dynamically assigned. If not, a predetermined satellite channel as determined by the system is reused terrestrially atstep10.

If a geosynchronous orbit is not utilized, or if a geosynchronous orbit with dynamically assigned channels is utilized, or if the determination regarding orbits is not made at all then, atdecision step14, a determination is made whether the signal strength of the received satellite channel(s) currently in use is too strong. If so, unacceptable interference would occur between the satellite channel and that channel when it is reused terrestrially, and the process begins again atdecision step2. If the signal strength of the received satellite channel(s) is acceptably weak so as to not cause unacceptable interference, a determination is made atdecision step16 whether the signal strength is considered noise. If so, atstep12, any noise channel can be selected for terrestrial reuse. If the satellite channel is not considered noise, then the non-noise satellite channel having the weakest signal strength is selected for terrestrial reuse.

FIG. 12bshows a second exemplary flow diagram of an overall system method, including assignment and reuse of channels based on signal strength, in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 12bassumes that any channel can be used for satellite communication, terrestrial communication or, in the case of frequency reuse, simultaneous satellite and terrestrial communication.FIGS. 6fand6gshow exemplary frequency band embodiments that can be used with the method in accordance withFIG. 12b.

At decision step52 a determination is made whether a channel is available (i.e., not currently in use). As previously discussed with regard toFIG. 12a, the determination can be made by asubscriber terminal512, aRRM720,720a,720h, aBTS514, aMSC508, or aNOC508,508a,508b. For example, as previously described herein, the subscriber can select a channel based on signal strength (and availability). Channel availability as determined by theRRM720,720a,720 has been discussed with regard toFIGS. 7a-7d. Similarly, as previously described herein, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, theBTS514, via theMSC508 and theBSC510, determines which channels are in use or not in use. NOCs(s)508,508a,508b, can maintain cognizance of the availability of satellite and/or terrestrial resources and/or arrange for reconfiguration, assignment and/or reuse of frequencies to meet changed traffic patterns.

If it is determined that a channel is available, a determination is made atdecision step54 whether terrestrial coverage is available and, if so, a channel is assigned for terrestrial use atstep72. If it is determined atdecision step4 that terrestrial coverage is not available, that atdecision step70, a determination is made whether satellite coverage is available. If so, a channel is assigned for satellite communication atstep74. If it is determined that satellite coverage is not available, then the process returns todecision step52. If at decision step52 a determination is made that a channel is not available, then steps56-78 are executed, as described with regard to steps6-18 ofFIG. 12a. It should be understood that criteria other than signal strength can be used in assigning channels, as will be discussed, for example, with regard toFIG. 13.

Returning toFIG. 11, as discussed, when accessing (e.g., initiating communication with) a channel, thesubscriber terminal512a, if possible, determines the signal strength of the signaling channel(s) from the satellites)516a,516b, as well as the signaling channels of at leastBTS514a. In the case ofsubscriber terminal512a,terrain blockage1102, for example, can affect assignment of frequencies sincesubscriber terminal512acan detect very little, if any, signal fromsatellite516a. It should be understood that assignment and/or reuse of frequencies can also be affected by, for example, man made structures and/or naturally occurring phenomena such as foliage that can also partially or completely block or obstruct a line of sight between asubscriber terminal512aand asatellite516a, as well as by general signal attenuation.

When there is no direct line of site betweensubscriber terminal512aandsatellite516a, little or no signal is “leaked” from thesubscriber terminal512ato thesatellite516a. At the same time, when there is coverage fromterrestrial BTS514a, theBTS514acan reuse a channel being used bysatellite516ato communicate without interference, or substantially without interference, withsubscriber terminal512a. In such a case, interference between thesatellite516aand thesubscriber terminal512ais minimized since, when signal attenuation occurs in the channel from thesubscriber terminal512ato thesatellite516a, there also is a substantially equal attenuation of the signal from thesatellite516ato thesubscriber terminal512a. Therefore, if thesubscriber terminal512adetects a weak signal having, for example, a predetermined signal strength from asatellite516a, there will also be a correspondingly weak signal from thesubscriber terminal512ato thesatellite516a. Thus, terrestrial reuse of a channel is preferred when the signal from thesatellite516ato thesubscriber terminal512a(and vice versa) is, for example, the weakest, or defined by, for example, a predetermined signal quality (e.g., RSSI and/or bit error rate).

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7d, theRRM720b, having determined the frequencies currently being used by the satellite component, can assign such channel for terrestrial reuse by asubscriber terminal512. In general, it is preferred that the satellite having the channel with predetermined criteria such as the weakest signal strength vis-à-vissubscriber terminal512aor other predetermined criteria is preferably selected for terrestrial reuse.

Alternatively, if thesubscriber terminal512adoes not have coverage from aBTS514, then terrestrial transmission cannot be utilized, and thesubscriber terminal512apreferably uses the satellite having the strongest signal (which issatellite516bin this case).

Subscriber terminal512bhas a direct line of sight to bothsatellites516a,516b. Accordingly, the channel having the weakest signal strength vis-à-vissubscriber terminal512bwill preferably be selected for terrestrial reuse via, for example,BTS514b. As shown, althoughsubscriber terminal512chas a direct line of sight tosatellite516a, the line of sight betweensubscriber terminal512candsatellite516bis blocked byterrain1102. Accordingly, the signals received fromsatellite516b, assuming they can be received, bysubscriber terminal512c, will be weaker than the signals received bysubscriber terminal512cfromsatellite516a. Accordingly, the weakest channel fromsatellite516bwill preferably be selected for terrestrial reuse bysubscriber terminal512c.

With regard tosubscriber terminal512d, there is a line of sight to bothsatellites516a,516b. In this case, an available (i.e., unused) channel having the strongest signal strength from eithersatellite516a,516bis preferably selected for use since, as shown,subscriber terminal512dis not within a terrestrial cell (e.g.,1106,1108) and is thus not covered (or sufficiently covered) by aBTS514 to enable terrestrial communication.

Referring toFIG. 11, the present invention is also applicable to a mobile satellite system (e.g., a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) system) or in which a given geographical area is covered on a dynamic basis by, for example, two or more satellites. For example, in a mobile satellite system, at one point in time the spot beams ofsatellites516a,516bcould be1104a,1104b, respectively. At a subsequent (or previous) time, thesatellite516a,516b, spot beams could cover an area as indicated by1104c,1104d, respectively.

In this scenario, asubscriber terminal512 preferably recognizes, for example, the signaling channels associated with eachrespective spot beam1104a,1104b. In the case of overlapping coverage of spot beams within a given geographic area, thesubscriber terminal512 preferably makes measurements on multiple signaling channels coming frommultiple satellites516a,516b. When all available channels are utilized or not available,subscriber terminal512 preferably selects for reuse the channel with the weakest signal strength in that given area. It should be understood that although only twospot beams1104a,1104b(corresponding tosatellites516a,516b, respectively) are shown, thesubscriber terminal512 preferably measures the strength of, for example, the signaling channels associated with any number of spot beams/satellites.

When asubscriber terminal512 is on the border or under the influence, for example, of two ormore spot beams1104a,1104b(or, e.g., the border ofspot beams1 and7 inFIG. 10), thesubscriber terminal512 may have a tendency to transition back and forth between respective channels associated with the twospot beams1104a,1104band/or between coverage areas of the terrestrial and satellite systems. In order to prevent such a back-and-forth transfer between the channels associated with the respective spot beams, the present invention advantageously utilizes hysteresis so that there is, for example, a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 dB) difference in signal strength before allowing thesubscriber terminal512 to make such a transition.

The present invention also optionally utilizes negative hysteresis to, for example, balance the loading between the satellite and terrestrial components and/or respective portions thereof. For example, with regard toFIG. 10, consider the case when a channel is being reused terrestrially, and the channels ofspot beam7 are being used much more than the channels ofspot beam1. Even though the channels ofspot beam7 may have a weaker signal strength than the channels ofspot beam1,subscriber terminals512 may be directed to terrestrially reuse channels fromspot beam1 rather thanspot beam7 to, for example, better balance network loading. It should be understood that negative hysteresis can also be applied to a single satellite when the satellite contains multiple frequency bands.

Negative hysteresis can also be used to balance loading between two ormore satellites516a,516b. For example, with regard toFIG. 11, supposesatellite516ahas all or substantially all of its channels used, andsatellite516bhas none or very few of its channels used. Then, even though the signal strength of channels fromsatellite516amay be stronger, it may be desirable to assign a call tosatellite516bwhen, for example, RSSI is sufficient. Now, suppose channels fromsatellite516bhave a stronger signal strength (relative to one or more subscriber terminals512), and that fewer of its channels are being utilized. In such a case, it may be desirable to terrestrially reuse channels fromsatellite516bto, for example, balance network loading, even though the use of such channels may result in higher interference.

FIG. 13 is a high level flow diagram of illustrating the static and dynamic channel assignment features of the present invention. As discussed inChannel Assignment Schemes for Cellular Mobile Telecommunication Systems: A Comprehensive Survey, IEEE Personal Communications Magazine, June 1996, I. Katzela and M. Naghshineh, incorporated herein by reference, when channel assignment schemes are classified based on separating co-channels apart in space, three broad categories can be identified: fixed channel allocation schemes (FCA), dynamic channel allocation schemes (DCA), and hybrid channel allocation schemes (HCA). FCA schemes partition the given serving area into a number of cells and allocate the available channels to cells based on some channel reuse criterion. DCA schemes pool together all the available channels and allocate them dynamically to cells as the need arises. Consequently, DCA schemes are capable of adapting to changing traffic patterns. HCA schemes provide a number of fixed channels, and a number of channels that can be dynamically allocated.

If thesatellite516 has a geosynchronous orbit, the angle of arrival from all spot beams is almost the same. In such a case, as indicated bydecision step1302, the pool of channels can either be assigned to, for example, a sub area of a spot beam and/or a terrestrial cell ahead of time (i.e., fixed assignment), or assigned dynamically. In the case of a geosynchronous orbit, the signal strength measured by asubscriber terminal512 using either a fixed or dynamic channel assignment scheme should be substantially the same, since the geographical location of theGSSs504 are fixed and the angle of arrival from asingle satellite516 from different spot beams is substantially the same. Optionally, theGSS504 can be used to collect measured signal strength reported by thesubscriber terminals512. Even in the case, for example, of a fast moving vehicle that is handing off, channel assignment can be done by a ESC520 since, if the angle of arrival is fixed, then all the spot beams will behave substantially identically.

If it is determined atdecision step1302 that a FCA scheme is being used, then a preassigned channel is utilized atstep1304. TheNOC508,508a,508bwill generally determine whether a hybrid method is utilized, although aBSC510 in conjunction with aGSS504 can also store such information. The present invention can utilize either a uniform allocation, in which the same number of channels are allocated to, for example, each cell or subcell, or a non-uniform allocation, in which different numbers of channels can be allocated to, for example, each cell or subcell.

If it is determined atdecision step1302 that channels are assigned dynamically, a determination is made atdecision step1306 whether a hybrid method is utilized. If a strictly dynamic scheme is being utilized then, a determination is made atdecision step1308 whether calls are allocated on a call-by-call basis. If so, asubscriber terminal512 can compute the signal strength of available channels, and select the channel based on relative signal strength. If it is determined atdecision step1308 that channels will not be allocated on a call-by-call basis, channels may optionally be allocated based on past and present usage patterns. For example, consider a situation in which 60% of satellite channels are currently utilized and 40% of terrestrial channels are utilized. Without considering past usage patterns, it would be desirable to allocate the call to a terrestrial channel, since a higher percentage of terrestrial channels are available. However, if data stored at aMSC508, for example, indicates that terrestrial channel usage in this cell it typically 80% (or 120%) and satellite channel usage is typically 40% (or 20%), thesystem500 may assign the call to a satellite channel, even though it currently has a higher percentage of its channels being used since, based on past data, it is expected that traffic patterns will shortly return to their typical loads (e.g., 80% of terrestrial capacity and 40% of satellite capacity).

Further, thesystem500 can control dynamic channel allocation associated withsteps1312 and1314 in either a centralized or distributed manner. In a centralized DCA scheme, theMSC508, for example, could maintain a centralized pool of channels (e.g., frequency bands) and allocate channels to calls based on, for example: the first available channel; to minimize blocking probability; and/or to maximize system utilization by maximizing channel reuse.

Thesystem500 could also utilize a distributed DCA scheme in which channels could be allocated based on locally available information available at, for example, eachBTS514. Some variations of distributed schemes include: a) allocating the first available channel; b) allocating the channel that minimizes adjacent channel interference; and/or c) allocating the first available channel that also meets some adjacent channel interference criterion.

If it is determined atdecision step1306 that a hybrid scheme will be utilized, the system preferably assigns a ratio of fixed and dynamic channels to, for example, each cell, subcell or area of coverage. The ratio of fixed to dynamic cells generally determines the performance of the system. Optimal ratio is likely to depend on a number of factors such as, for example, system traffic load and/or system characteristics. Atstep1316, channels are preferably assigned in accordance with, for example, channel andsystem500 load balancing and/or received signal strength considerations.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow diagram of the call initialization process when the terrestrial mode is preferred and the satellite and terrestrial components share a common portion of a frequency band as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6b,6c,6fand6g. A user places a call, for example, after acquiring a control channel, and depressing a send button on the mobile phone/subscriber terminal512, and requests a channel atstep1402. Atdecision step1404, a determination is made whether thesubscriber terminal512 is a dual mode (satellite-terrestrial) terminal. If thesubscriber terminal512 is dual mode, then signal strength measurements are made, for example at aBTS514 and/or aGSS504 of at least a portion of the available channels (if any) that can be used terrestrially atstep1406, preferably with one ormore satellites516 and one or more associatedBTSs514. If, as determined atdecision step1408, a channel is available for terrestrial use, a channel is assigned to theBTS514 for terrestrial communication atstep1410 and the call is deemed successful atstep1414. If, as determined atdecision step1408, all terrestrial channels are currently being used, a channel currently being used by asatellite516 is assigned to aBTS514 for terrestrial reuse atstep1412, and the call is deemed successful atstep1414. It is preferred that the channel currently being used by asatellite516 having the weakest signal strength be assigned to aBTS514 for terrestrial reuse.

If, atdecision step1404, the subscriber terminal indicates that it is a single mode terminal (e.g., a satellite terminal), a determination is made by, for example,NOC506,606a,MSC508,508a, and/orRRM720,720a, atdecision step1418 whether a channel is available for satellite use. If so, a channel is assigned for satellite use atstep1416, and the call is deemed to be successfully established atstep1414. If, atdecision step1418, a determination is made that a channel is not available for satellite use, thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 wait(s), preferably for a predetermined time, before determining whether a channel is available for satellite use atdecision step1418.

The method ofFIG. 14 can be used not only for initial selection of frequencies as discussed above, but also for handoffs between channels when asubscriber terminal512 travels, for example, from one area or portion thereof of satellite or terrestrial system coverage to another. As used herein, handoff refers to reassignment of a call to a different channel as a result of current channel degradation, and can be, for example, intra-cell/intra-satellite and/or inter-cell/inter-satellite. Channel degradation can occur, for example, as the subscriber terminal distance from the serving BTS increases or as a result of increase in co-channel interference Handoff schemes are designed to prefer handoff calls to new calls when allocating channels so as to maintain an established connection (e.g., avoid dropping a call), and are preferably compared based, for example, on the probability of successful handoff calls and/or new call blocking.

Following are exemplary principles on which handoffs can be based: a) reserving some channels in each cell for handoff calls (i.e., Guard Channel Scheme); b) queuing up candidate calls for handoff (i.e., Handoff Queuing Scheme) with or without guard channels; and c) queuing up new calls instead of handoff calls.

Since channels are set aside for handoff, the guard channel scheme increases the probability of handoff calls. With a handoff queuing scheme, calls are queued for handoff when the received carrier power falls below a threshold. Queuing schemes can be, for example, first-in-first-out or priority queuing schemes. Priority can be based on, for example, how fast the threshold is being reached.

For example, with regard toFIG. 10, if asubscriber terminal512 goes fromcell1 to, for example,cell7, thesubscriber terminal512 will scan the channels associated with each cell, and preferably select first an open channel for terrestrial use, if one is available. If no channel(s) is available, then thesubscriber terminal512 takes signal strength measurements of the channels, and preferably selects the channel having the weakest signal strength (from thesatellite516 and relative to a subscriber terminal512) for terrestrial use.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary flow diagram of call initialization when terrestrial mode is preferred and discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands are utilized as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e. As shown inFIG. 15, atstep1502 the user places a call and requests a channel.

Atstep1504 the subscriber terminal transmits to the system whether it is a single or dual mode (satellite-terrestrial) terminal. The subscriber terminal can transmit this information on, for example a signaling channel. For example, the subscriber terminal can send a control signal upon powering up the unit to, for example, aBTS514 and/orsatellite516 indicating whether the subscriber terminal is single mode or a dual mode terminal.

Atdecision step1506, a determination is made by, for example, theBTS514 and/orBSC510, based on the signal transmitted atstep1504, whether the subscriber terminal is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. If thesubscriber terminal512 is dual mode, then atstep1508 the system measures, for example, the signal strength of thesatellite516 andBTS514 channels received by the subscriber terminal, and reports such measurements to, for example, aBSC510 and/or aMSC508,508a,508b. For example, in accordance with GSM technology, to initiate call setup, a subscriber terminal sends a signaling channel request to the system using a random access channel (RACH). TheMSC508,508a,508b, after considering signal strength measurements, informs the subscriber terminal via aBTS514 of the allocated signaling channel using an access grant channel (AGCH). Then, the subscriber terminal sends the call origination request via a standalone dedicated control channel (SDCCH). TheMSC508,508a,508b, for example, then instructs theBSC510 to allocate a traffic channel (TCH) for the call. Then, the subscriber terminal acknowledges the traffic channel assignment using, for example, a fast associated control channel (FACCH). Finally, both the subscriber terminal and theBTS514 tune to the traffic channel.

Atdecision step1516, a determination is made whether aBTS514 channel (i.e., terrestrial channel) is available. If so, a determination is made atdecision step1526 whether a satellite channel is available. If so, a request is made to utilize the satellite channel terrestrially atstep1524, and the call is deemed successful atstep1530. If, atdecision step1526, it is determined by, for example, aMSC508,508a,508b, that all satellite channels are being used, the weakest signal is identified atstep1534, a channel is assigned to thesubscriber terminal512 such that thesubscriber terminal512 reuses that satellite channel terrestrially, and the call is deemed successful atstep1530.

If, atdecision step1516, a determination is made by, for example, aMSC508,508a,508b, that aBTS514 channel is not available, a determination is made atdecision step1520 whether a satellite channel is available. If a satellite channel is available, the call is deemed successful atstep1522. If a satellite channel is not available, atstep1518 thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 waits, preferably for a predetermined time, before taking additional measurements atstep1508.

If, atdecision step1506, thesubscriber terminal512 is determined to be a single mode (e.g., satellite only) terminal, the system measures, for example, the signal strength of thesatellite516 channels, and reports such measurements to, for example, theMSC508,508a,508b. Atdecision step1512, a determination is made whether a satellite channel is available. If a satellite channel is available, the call is deemed successful atstep1530. If a satellite channel is not available, atstep1528 thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 waits, preferably for a predetermined time, before taking additional measurements atstep1514. As is the case withFIG. 14, the method described inFIG. 15 can be used both for initial selection of frequencies, as well as handoffs between channels when a subscriber terminal travels, for example, from one spot area or one terrestrial area to another.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary flow diagram of base station-to-base station or base station-to-satellite handoff when the satellite and terrestrial components share a common portion of a frequency band as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6b,6c,6fand6g. Atstep1602, thesystem500 and/orsubscriber terminal512 verify that the RSSI or other signal strength indicator or criteria is satisfied. Before establishing a call, the RSSI, for example, should be high enough for thesubscriber terminal512 to establish calls. As previously discussed, the RSSI is a relative measure of received signal strength for aparticular subscriber terminal512, and is typically measured in db/m (decibels/milliwatt).

Atdecision step1604, a determination is made whether thesubscriber terminal512 is a single mode or a dual mode terminal. The subscriber terminal can transmit this information on, for example, a signaling channel. For example, the subscriber terminal can send a control signal upon powering up the unit to, for example, aBTS514 and/orsatellite516 indicating whether the subscriber terminal is single mode or a dual mode terminal.

If it is determined atdecision step1604 that the subscriber terminal is dual mode then, atdecision step1606, a determination is made by, for example, aBSC510 whether a neighboringBTS514 provides, for example, an acceptable RSSI. Other criteria such as, for example, network loading and/or balancing considerations, may also be used. If so, a request to handoff to the neighboringBTS514 is made atstep1608. Atdecision step1610, a determination is made whether theBTS514 has capacity available. If so, a determination is made atdecision step1614 whether there is an available channel (not being used by the satellite). If so, a request to handoff to the available channel is made atstep1624, and the handoff is deemed successful atstep1626.

If, atdecision step1614, a determination is made that all channels are being utilized, the weakest satellite signal is preferably identified atstep1622. Atstep1624, a request is made to reuse the weakest satellite signal, and the handoff is deemed successful atstep1626. If, atdecision step1610, it is determined that there is noBTS514 capacity available, one or more subsequent requests are preferably made atstep1608, as determined bydecision step1612.

If, atdecision step1606, a determination is made by theBSC510 and/orMSC508,508bthat the neighboringBETS514 does not have, for example, an acceptable RSSI and/or does not, for example, satisfy other handoff criteria (e.g., network loading), or if, atdecision step1612 the maximum number of allowed handoff requests has been made, a request to handoff to a satellite is made atstep1616. Atdecision step1620, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508awhether a channel is available and, if so, the handoff is deemed successful atstep1626. If, atdecision step1620, a determination is made that a channel is not available, then thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 waits atstep1618, preferably for a predetermined time prior to requesting another handoff atstep1616.

If, atdecision step1604, a determination is made that thesubscriber terminal512 is single mode (e.g., satellite only), then a satellite handoff request is made atstep1616, after whichdecision step1620 is executed as discussed above.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary flow diagram of base station-to-base station or base station-to-satellite handoff while using discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e. Atstep1702, thesystem500 and/orsubscriber terminal512 verify that the RSSI and/or other signal strength indicators or criteria are satisfied.

Atdecision step1704, a determination is made whether thesubscriber terminal512 is dual mode. The subscriber terminal can transmit this information on, for example a signaling channel. For example, the subscriber terminal can send a control signal upon powering up the unit to, for example, aBTS514 and/orsatellite516 indicating whether the subscriber terminal is single mode or a dual mode terminal.

If it is determined atdecision step1704 that the subscriber terminal is dual mode then, atdecision step1706, a determination is made by, for example, aBSC510 and/orMSC508,508bwhether a neighboringBTS514 provides an acceptable RSSI. If so, a request to handoff to the neighboringBTS514 is made atstep1708. Atdecision step1710, a determination is made by, for example, aBSC510 and/orMSC508,508bwhether there is aBTS514 channel available. If so, a determination is made atdecision step1716 by, for example,MSC508,508awhether there is an available satellite channel. If it is determined that a satellite channel is available, a request to handoff to the satellite channel frequency is made atstep1722, and atstep1724 the handoff is deemed successful.

If, atdecision step1716, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508athat all satellite channels are being utilized, the weakest satellite signal vis-à-vis the subscriber terminal is preferably identified atstep1728. At step1726, a request is made by, for example,MSC508,508ato reuse the weakest satellite signal, and the handoff is deemed successful atstep1724. If, atdecision step1710, it is determined that aBTS514 channel is not available, one or more subsequent requests are preferably made atstep1708, as determined bydecision step1714.

If, atdecision step1706, a determination is made by, for example,BSC510 that the neighboringBTS514 does not have an acceptable RSSI, or if, as determined atdecision step1714, the maximum number of handoff attempts has been made, a request to handoff to a satellite channel is made atstep1712. Atdecision step1720, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508awhether a satellite channel is available and, if so, the handoff is deemed successful atstep1724. If, atdecision step1720, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508athat a satellite channel is not available, then thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 wait(s) atstep1718, preferably for a predetermined time, prior to requesting another handoff atstep1712.

If, atdecision step1704, it is determined that thesubscriber terminal512 is a single mode (e.g., satellite only) terminal, a request to handoff to a satellite channel is made atstep1712, after whichdecision step1720 is executed, as discussed above.

The present invention also contemplates variations of the method disclosed inFIG. 17. For example, althoughFIG. 17 describes a process of first using terrestrial mode communications, and subsequently using satellite mode communications upon exhausting terrestrial channels,FIG. 17 could also have first preferred satellite mode communications, and subsequently use terrestrial mode communication upon exhausting satellite channels.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary method of satellite-to-base station or satellite-to-satellite handoff when the satellite and terrestrial components share a common portion of a frequency band as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6b,6c,6fand6g. Upon determining that handoff criteria (e.g., RSSI) is satisfied atstep1802, a determination is made atdecision step1804 whether thesubscriber terminal512 is dual mode. The subscriber terminal can transmit this information on, for example a signaling channel. For example, the subscriber terminal can send a control signal upon powering up the unit to, for example, aBTS514 and/orsatellite516 indicating whether the subscriber terminal is single mode or a dual mode terminal.

If it is determined atdecision step1804 that the subscriber terminal is dual mode, a request to handoff to aBTS514 is made atstep1806. Atdecision step1814, a determination is made whether theBTS514 has capacity available and, if so, whether there is an available channel atdecision step1816. If so, a request to handoff to an available channel is made by, for example,MSC508,508batstep1808, and the handoff is deemed successful atstep1810.

If, atdecision step1816, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508a,508bthat all channels are being utilized, the weakest satellite signal is preferably identified atstep1824. Atstep1826, a request by, for example,MSC508,508a,508b, is made to reuse the weakest satellite signal, and the handoff is deemed to be successful atstep1810. If, atdecision step1814, it is determined by, for example,BSC510 that there is noavailable BTS514 capacity, a request to handoff to a satellite is made atstep1822. At decision step1828, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508awhether satellite capacity is available and, if capacity is available, the handoff is deemed successful atstep1830. If, at decision step1828, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508athat no satellite capacity is available, then atstep1820 thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 camps on one or more of the channels that can be used with asatellite516, preferably for a predetermined time, prior to requesting another handoff atstep1806.

If a determination is made, as previously described, atdecision step1804 that thesubscriber terminal512 is single mode (e.g., a satellite terminal) then, atdecision step1812, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508awhether there is satellite capacity available. If satellite capacity is available, the call is deemed successful atstep1830. If, atdecision step1812 it is determined by, for example,MSC508,508athat satellite capacity is not available, then atstep1818, thesubscriber terminal512 and/orsystem500 camps on one or more of the satellite channels atstep1818, preferably for a predetermined time, prior to again determining whether satellite capacity is available atdecision step1812.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary method of satellite-to-base station or satellite-to-satellite handoff while using discrete satellite and terrestrial frequency bands as shown, for example, inFIGS. 6dand6e. Upon determining that handoff criteria (e.g., RSSI) is satisfied atstep1902, a determination is made atdecision step1904 whether thesubscriber terminal512 is dual mode. The subscriber terminal can transmit this information on, for example, a signaling channel. For example, the subscriber terminal can send a control signal upon powering up the unit to, for example, aBTS514 and/orsatellite516 indicating whether the subscriber terminal is single mode or a dual mode terminal.

If it is determined atstep1902 that the subscriber terminal is dual mode then, a request to handoff to aBTS514 channel is made atstep1906. Atdecision step1916, a determination is made by, for example,BSC510 whether there is aBTS514 channel available. If so, a determination is made atdecision step1918 by, for example,MSC508,508a, whether there is a satellite channel not being used. If it is determined that a satellite channel is available, a request to handoff to that satellite channel is made atstep1908, and atstep1910 the handoff is deemed successful.

If, atdecision step1918, a determination is made by, for example,MSC508,508athat all satellite channels are being utilized, the weakest satellite signal is preferably identified atstep1926. At step1928, theMSC508,508areuses the satellite channel having the weakest signal, and the handoff is deemed successful atstep1910. If, atdecision step1916, it is determined by, for example,BSC510 that aBTS514 channel is not available, a request is made to handoff to, for example, an adjacent spot beam or satellite atstep1924. For example, with regard toFIG. 11, ifsubscriber terminal512brequests a handoff tosatellite516aandsatellite516adoes not have any available channels,subscriber terminal512bcan subsequently request ahandoff using satellite516b. If, at decision step1930 a determination is made that an adjacent satellite (or spot beam) has an available channel, the call is deemed successful atstep1912. If, at decision step1930 a determination is made that an adjacent satellite (or spot beam) does not have an available channel then, atstep1922, thesubscriber terminal512 camps on the current channel, preferably for a predetermined time before returning tostep1906.

If, atdecision step1904 it is determined, as previously discussed, that thesubscriber terminal512 is a single mode (e.g., satellite only) terminal then, at decision step1914, if a determination is made that a channel from an adjacent spot beam or satellite is available, the call is deemed successful atstep1912. If it is determined at decision step1914 that a channel from an adjacent spot beam or satellite is not available, then thesubscriber terminal512 orsystem500 camps on the desired channel, preferably for a predetermined time, after which decision step1914 is repeated.

As shown inFIG. 20a, the present invention advantageously and optionally implements an inverse assignment of the channels. That is, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, channels are assigned to the satellite component from one end of the frequency spectrum, and channels are assigned to the terrestrial component from the other end so that maximized spacing of channels is used.FIG. 20acollectively represents therespective downlink602 anduplink604 frequency bands of, for example,FIG. 6b. For example, with regard to602,604 ofFIG. 6a, assume that the channels are arranged from1,2,3,4 . . .98,99,100, from lower to higher frequency. TheBTSs514, for example, could be assignedchannels100,99,98, etc. from higher to lower frequencies, and the satellites can be assignedchannels1,2,3, etc. from lower to higher frequencies. We have discovered that this scheme advantageously reduces the chances of reuse. When no channels remain for either satellite or terrestrial use then, as previously discussed, the channel(s) having the weakest signal strength is preferably reused terrestrially.

When there is a predetermined frequency closeness aBTS514 is usingchannels52 to100, and asatellite516 is usingchannels1 to49), the present invention also enables transitioning channels to avoid interference and/or reuse. For example,channel49 may be handed off, for example, tochannel2, assumingchannel2 is available (as indicated by (2) inFIG. 20b). Similarly,BTS514 channels may also be similarly handed off.

Accordingly, in this additional feature of inverse frequency assignment, theMSC508,508a,508b, for example, actively monitors the active channels in ends of the systems (satellite/terrestrial, satellite/satellite, terrestrial/terrestrial, etc.) and proactively and/or dynamically re-assigns channels to maximize spacing between the systems.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. While the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example of preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

For example, one embodiment of the invention focused on reusing or assigning terrestrial frequencies based on the status of or signal strength of the satellite frequency. The present invention is also applicable in the reverse. In addition, the present invention is applicable to a plurality of satellite systems and/or a plurality terrestrial systems having similar operational characteristics as described herein. The present invention is equally applicable to voice and/or data networks.

Claims (14)

1. A system comprising:

a detector that is configured to detect a first signal strength that is associated with a first wireless communications channel; and

a transmitter that is configured to radiate electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel responsive to the detector having detected that the first signal strength is sufficiently weak,

wherein the detector is further configured to control the transmitter to perform a handoff to a second wireless communications channel having a signal that is weaker than a signal of the first wireless communications channel.

2. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the detector is at the transmitter and/or spaced apart from the transmitter.

3. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a satellite to provide space-based communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide terrestrial communications.

4. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a terrestrial system to provide terrestrial communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide terrestrial communications.

5. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a wireless communications system to provide wide-area communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide local-area communications.

6. A system according toclaim 5, wherein the transmitter provides local-area communications based upon a Time-Division Duplex (TDD) air interface protocol.

7. A system according toclaim 6, wherein the TDD air interface protocol uses the first wireless communications channel to transmit and to receive information.

8. A method comprising:

detecting by a detector a first signal strength that is associated with a first wireless communications channel;

radiating by a transmitter electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel responsive to detecting that the first signal strength is sufficiently weak; and

controlling the transmitter to perform a handoff to a second wireless communications channel having a signal that is weaker than a signal of the first wireless communications channel.

9. A method according toclaim 8, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a satellite to provide space-based communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide terrestrial communications.

10. A method according toclaim 8, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a terrestrial system to provide terrestrial communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide terrestrial communications.

11. A method according toclaim 8, wherein the first wireless communications channel is used by a wireless communications system to provide wide-area communications and wherein the transmitter radiates electromagnetic energy over the first wireless communications channel to provide local-area communications.

12. A method according toclaim 11, wherein the transmitter provides local-area communications based upon a Time-Division Duplex (TDD) air interface protocol.

13. A method according toclaim 12, wherein the TDD air interface protocol uses the first wireless communications channel to transmit and to receive information.

14. A method according toclaim 8, wherein the detector is at the transmitter and/or spaced apart from the transmitter.

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